If you've ever thought "I want to make my dog famous" or "my cat should be an influencer," this episode is for you. Seriously!

I'm sitting down with Ashley, the owner of Petfluencer Secrets, and we're talking all about how she turned her cat into a full-time business. Her cat Chip the Manx has over 486,000 YouTube subscribers and 122,000 Instagram followers. And before you think this is just a fun hobby, let me be clear: this is a six-figure business. Multiple six figures.

If you've ever wondered how to make money with your pet's Instagram account, how pet influencers get brand deals, or what it actually takes to grow a pet account on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, this is your episode.

In this episode:

• Why she started a cat Instagram account while drowning in physical therapy school debt
• The side hustle that changed everything: blogging in the mid-2010s
• How she went from posting cute cat videos to realizing "wait, I can teach this"
• Her transition from full-time physical therapist to part-time to full-time entrepreneur

Connect with Ashley, Chip and

Petfuencer Secrets: https://www.instagram.com/petfluencersecrets/

Chip the Manx: https://www.instagram.com/chipthemanx/

Biskit the Calico: https://www.instagram.com/biskitthecalico/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Subscribe to my email newsletter for weekly podcast news and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Marketing your business doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, we're diving into sustainable, approachable marketing strategies that actually work for small business owners—without the burnout.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to create a marketing strategy that fits your life (not the other way around)
• Why playing to your natural strengths makes all the difference
• The truth about which marketing channels actually convert for small businesses
• How to get comfortable being visible online—even if you hate being on camera
• Why consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to content creation
• How to shift from inspiration-driven marketing to sustainable systems

About Prassède:

Prassède is the founder of Numinous Creative, a marketing agency that helps CEOs and small business owners build realistic marketing strategies that get results. After being fired from her project management job eight years ago, she discovered her passion for helping entrepreneurs get out of the "default marketing position" and create systems that work without constant manual effort. With a background in conflict resolution and a love for creative storytelling, Prassède specializes in social media, email marketing, and blog strategies that are both high-level and approachable.

Connect with Prassede: https://www.instagram.com/numinous.creative/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Subscribe to my email newsletter for weekly podcast news and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if saying "no" could actually strengthen your relationships—and your business?

In this episode, Hayleigh sits down with Dr. Jen Fry—former college volleyball coach turned professional speaker, PhD, and tech entrepreneur—to discuss the art of setting boundaries, navigating conflict, and building a business with backbone.

Jen shares her journey from coaching for 15 years to becoming a sought-after speaker on conflict and culture, launching a tech startup (Cordal), and writing her book I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• Why people-pleasing is actually being unreliable
• How to practice "micro advocacy" to build your no muscle
• The real cost of resentment in business decisions
• Why validation of your idea doesn't guarantee revenue
• The humbling truth about starting a tech company
• How to know when you "hate it enough" to make the leap

Whether you're struggling to set boundaries with clients, contemplating your next business pivot, or just need permission to stop people-pleasing, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to advocate for yourself—without the guilt.

About Jen Fry:

Dr. Jen Fry is a professional speaker, author, PhD in sport geography, and founder of Cordal, a group travel coordination tech platform. After 15 years as a college volleyball coach, Jen pivoted to professional speaking in 2019, focusing on conflict navigation and cultural transformation. Her book I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk is available now. Jen is known for her direct, compassionate approach to helping people—especially women—advocate for themselves fearlessly.

Connect with Jen:

• Website: JenFryTalks.com
• Book: I Said No (available on her website with stickers and swag, or on Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
• Social Media: @JenFryTalks on all platforms

3 Action Steps from This Episode:

1. Know your relationships are worth conflict. Conflict shows us the depth of our relationships—avoiding it keeps you surface-level.

2. Your first "no" is the easiest. When you say no to someone, prepare for others to try to change your mind. Have a plan and hold your boundary.

3. You're always healed until you go home. Practice leaving situations where people make you uncomfortable—you don't owe anyone your presence when they're unkind.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Building a business gets easier when you stop winging it and start leading with a plan.

I sit down with Shellee Howard, CEO of College Ready and CR Future Now and host of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready to talk about what it really looks like to go from employee to boss when you’ve got an entrepreneurial mindset and a deep desire to make an impact.

You’ll hear how College Ready began when her son came home with a clear college and career goal, and how that sparked a process that helped him earn major scholarship offers and graduate without debt. Shellee breaks down what she believes every entrepreneur needs: a clear why, a business plan, and accountability that gets your goals out of your head and onto paper.

This episode also gets practical about visibility. Shellee shares why she resisted being the face of her brand, what shifted when she decided to tell her story, and how hiring mentors helped her grow into bigger opportunities, without chasing them.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why corporate experience can set you up for future entrepreneurial success
• How solving real problems can lead you into your best business idea
• What a business plan protects you from when motivation isn’t enough
• Why sharing your story matters when you want bigger opportunities
• Three action steps to start a podcast with clarity and momentum

Connect with Shellee:

Complementary 30-minute meeting and checklist for success: www.collegereadyplan.info

Website: www.collegereadyplan.com

Teens find their passion and their purpose: www.empowereducation.world

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellee.howard1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleehoward/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if the thing keeping you “busy” isn’t actually your workload… but your grip on control? In today’s episode, Gina Cotner breaks down what it really takes to shift from doing everything yourself to building a business that can run without you.

Gina is the founder of Athena Executive Services, a virtual executive assistant agency built for busy, successful business owners who need high-level support without hiring a full-time 40-hour/week assistant. We talk through her long road from corporate to entrepreneurship, back to employment, and finally to building a true agency—with a team of around 20 and a million-dollar year. If you’re a business owner who knows you should delegate but feels stuck in the “it’s faster if I do it myself” loop, this conversation will give you a new way to think about control, feedback, and the real job of being the boss.

In this episode:

• why delegation is an investment in who you want to be six months from now
• how to stop building a business that relies on your personality to sell
• the “Maui invoices” moment that pushes most owners to finally let go
• why turning tasks over forces you to clean up your processes
• how to “inspect, not just expect” without micromanaging
• what it means to give feedback on performance without making it personal
• the mindset shift from employee to CEO when there is no manual
• why leaders aren’t paid to do tasks—they’re paid to think
• how a business can evolve into something that runs with you working 10 hours a week
• why you can’t wait to feel inspired to take action

Connect with Gina:

Website: https://www.athenaexecutiveservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_services/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea/

Books mentioned: Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if building your business wasn’t about doing more, but about being more intentional with the people already around you?

In this episode of Employee to Boss, I’m joined by Faith Morris, an operations strategist and community builder who helps entrepreneurs scale sustainably by rethinking how they build teams, partnerships, and networks. We talk about her journey from employee to boss, rebuilding confidence after career rejection, and why intentional relationships, not more platforms, are often the missing piece in business growth.

In this episode:

why relationships are a form of business infrastructure

how rejection can become a catalyst for entrepreneurship

what it really means to build community intentionally

why consistency beats visibility every time

how to turn connections into long-term strategic partnerships

the difference between networking more and networking smarter

why personal brand matters even if you didn’t plan on building one

how to avoid burnout by simplifying where and how you show up

Connect with Faith:

Efficiency Circle: https://www.faithemorris.com/efficiency-circle?fbclid=PAVERFWAQHK8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeoLYFm0o-Mqgvy-QKOWGjnmH4JowycH3bE-JdNfXhWaolau84D6WmuKnN1jA_aem_bamqvrJQWP_beZFVNS4UBQ

Follow Faith on Threads and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remote.ops.partner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithelizabethmorris/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Curiosity can be a business strategy when you know how to use it.

In this episode I sit down with Liz Galloway, a media and PR expert whose career spans wellness, luxury travel, global events, and broadcasting. Liz shares how her non-linear path from training in high-end wellness spaces overseas to running large-scale media projects became the foundation for a portfolio career rooted in storytelling and relationships.

The conversation also dives into organizing TEDx Belltown Women, what makes a pitch stand out, and why most people miss opportunities by not tailoring their story. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by PR, pitching, or visibility, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable starting point.

This episode is for business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their authority, collaborate strategically, and stop overthinking their next move.

In this episode:

• Curiosity and skill-stacking can create a powerful portfolio career
• Strong storytelling starts with listening, not talking
• Podcast interviews are one of the best entry points into PR
• Short, customized pitches outperform mass outreach
• Visibility works best when rooted in relationships and strategy

Connect with Liz:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizgalloway/

Website: https://brandsanitymedia.co

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

What if the “hustle” you’re proud of is actually burning you out? In this conversation, we’re unpacking what entrepreneurial burnout really looks like—and how to build a business that doesn’t cost you your health, relationships, or sanity.

Arika is a leadership coach and former corporate leader who helps high-achieving professionals and founders spot burnout early and reset in sustainable ways. In this episode, we talk about why so many entrepreneurs normalize exhaustion as “just a season,” the beliefs that quietly fuel burnout (even when you love your work), and simple, doable ways to protect your energy—especially as you reflect on this past year and plan for 2026 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• what burnout actually is for entrepreneurs (beyond just feeling tired)

• the subtle mindset traps that keep you saying yes when you’re already at capacity

• how to tell the difference between normal stress and a brewing burnout crash

• simple daily reset practices to manage your energy (not just your time)

Connect with Arika: https://www.arika-allen.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:
Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠
Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/
Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com
Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.