Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Built For Meaning

For most nonprofits, marketing is a support function, something handed to the busiest person on the team and thought about last. I make the case that it should be treated as a growth engine instead, and that means borrowing three strategies from the for-profit world: account-based marketing, brand storytelling, and growth marketing.

I walk through what each one actually means for a nonprofit, why spray-and-pray outreach rarely works, how brand is really the meaning people attach to you plus the experience they have with you, and why acquisition without retention is an expensive way to keep starting over. 

I’d love to hear your answer to the question at the end: what’s one marketing strategy from the for-profit world you think more nonprofits should embrace? Tell me at hello (at) stephaniejiroch.com 

Related Episodes

• How to Get More From Your Event or Campaign Post-Mortem
• The Reasons Donors Lapse Isn't What You Think

Let's stay connected:

➡️  Subscribe to Giving Good, my newsletter dedicated to rethinking donor retention and acquisition.

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After every appeal or event I work on, I make the team sit down for a post-mortem exercise, no matter how it went. It’s Dan Sullivan’s Experience Transformer, and in this episode I walk you through all four parts of it the way I’d walk through it with a client, including why we always start with what worked instead of jumping straight to what went wrong.

I also share some of the research on why debriefs are one of the most affordable ways to get better at this work. And then I end where I always seem to end up: what happens to your donor after they give. Most post-mortems stop at the moment of the gift. I think that’s exactly where the most important part of the relationship begins, and I’ll show you how to fold it into your review so it doesn’t get skipped again.

Let's stay connected:

➡️  Subscribe to Giving Good, my newsletter dedicated to rethinking donor retention and acquisition.

📩 Built for Meaning on Substack — research, reframes, and practical insights delivered straight to your inbox: SUBSCRIBE HERE

💼 Connect on LinkedIn 

Sources & citations

• Sullivan, D. The Experience Transformer®. Strategic Coach thinking tool. See “What You Can Learn From Failure” and “What To Do When Good People Make Mistakes,” Strategic Coach Multiplier Mindset blog.
• Tannenbaum, S. I., & Cerasoli, C. P. (2013). Do team and individual debriefs enhance performance? A meta-analysis. Human Factors, 55(1), 231–245.
• Ellis, S., & Davidi, I. (2005). After-event reviews: Drawing lessons from successful and failed experience. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90(5), 857–871.
• Burk, P. (2003). Donor-Centered Fundraising. Cygnus Applied Research.
• Samek, A., & Longfield, C. (2019). Do thank-you calls increase charitable giving? Expert forecasts and field experimental evidence. Working paper.

Sourcing transparency note

On-air phrasing is conversational and some figures are rounded; the citations above have the exact numbers. The Burk finding comes from a practitioner test reported in her book rather than a peer-reviewed study, and it has been challenged by later research (Samek & Longfield), which is why both are listed.

This week's episode goes after a myth almost every nonprofit believes without checking: that donors mostly leave because of money or because they lost interest in the cause. I walk you through the actual research on donor lapse - including a landmark study of ten thousand lapsed donors - and show that the real driver is almost always what happens (or doesn't happen) in the silence right after a gift. And of course, I connect it back to identity - a gift that never gets acknowledged in a way that reflects who the donor is doesn't get reinforced, and unconfirmed identity evidence fades fast.

Let's stay connected:

➡️  Subscribe to Giving Good, my newsletter dedicated to rethinking donor retention and acquisition.

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Full Citations

Sargeant, A. (2001): Relationship fundraising: How to keep donors loyal. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 12(2), 177–192. Survey of ten thousand donors finding that only around one in five lapses were driven by financial hardship, with a similar share switching organizations; the remaining, largest share of lapse was linked to feeling unneeded, lack of feedback on gift impact, and inadequate acknowledgment.

Burk, P.: Donor-Centered Fundraising (Cygnus Applied Research). Research spanning over two decades and tens of thousands of donors, finding that acknowledgment and communication quality predict donor loyalty more strongly than gift size or appeal urgency.

Fundraising Effectiveness Project: (Association of Fundraising Professionals / Growth in Giving Initiative). Quarterly and annual donor retention benchmarking data. Sector-wide tracking showing that less than half of first-time donors give a second gift, underscoring the scale of preventable early-stage lapse.

Sourcing Transparency Note

The studies above are cited from their original published sources and publicly reported benchmarking data. Framing, connective language, and the application to fundraising practice are Stephanie's own; anecdotes from client work are shared in composite, non-identifying form. The research itself has not been independently re-verified by this production team beyond confirming publication details.

This week's episode goes back to what identity actually is from a psychological standpoint, why it's such a reliable predictor of behavior, and why that matters so much for anyone doing donor work. Stephanie walks through self-schema theory, possible selves, narrative identity, identity-based motivation, and the extended self — and ties it all back to why the show is called Built for Meaning in the first place.

Let's stay connected:

➡️ Join The 2026 Giving Tuesday Reset: A 10-Day Challenge

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Sources Referenced

Markus (1977): Self-schemata and processing information about the self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(2), 63–78. Foundational research on self-schemas — the mental structures that organize how we process information about ourselves.

Markus & Nurius (1986): Possible selves. American Psychologist, 41(9), 954–969. Introduces “possible selves,” the imagined future versions of ourselves that motivate present behavior.

McAdams (1993): The Stories We Live By: Personal Myths and the Making of the Self. Foundational work on narrative identity — the idea that we understand ourselves through an internalized life story.

Oyserman (2007, 2009): Identity-based motivation theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Journal of Consumer Psychology. The theory that people are more likely to act, and to persist through difficulty, when an action feels congruent with a currently activated identity.

Holte, Jamruszka, Gustafson, Beaman & Camp (1984): Influence of children's positive self-perceptions on donating behavior in a naturalistic setting. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 22(2), 145–153. Fourth graders labeled “particularly generous” after an initial donation gave significantly more in a second round, with no other change to the ask.

Bem (1972): Self-perception theory. In Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 6. Classic theory that people often infer their own attitudes and identity by observing their own behavior.

Baumeister (1991): Meanings of Life. Identifies core human needs for meaning: purpose, value/justification, efficacy, and self-worth.

Belk (1988): Possessions and the extended self. Journal of Consumer Research, 15(2), 139–168. The theory that identity extends beyond the physical self into what we own, who we're connected to, and what we support.

A Note on Sourcing

The studies above are cited from their original published sources. Framing, connective language, and the application to fundraising practice are Stephanie's own — the research itself has not been independently re-verified by this production team beyond confirming publication details.

If you've ever walked away from Giving Tuesday feeling like you failed at something that was never really yours to win, this one's for you.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why the countdown-email, blast-every-channel playbook was built by and for nonprofits with six-figure marketing budgets and why running a smaller version of it is setting small teams up to burn out and underperform. I'll unpack the real advantage small nonprofits have that big ones can't buy (hint: it's not reach), and give you three shifts to rethink your approach before the day arrives. Then I'll tell you about a very special, very free, 10-day challenge I'm hosting starting this month to help you build a Giving Tuesday strategy that was actually made for a nonprofit like yours.

Let's stay connected:

➡️ Join The Giving Tuesday Reset: A 10-Day Challenge

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💼 Connect on LinkedIn 

In this episode, I'm breaking down why most nonprofit segmentation isn't really segmentation at all — it's sorting. Age, gift size, and zip code tell you almost nothing about why someone actually gives, and the research backs that up. I walk through why donors cluster around trust and values far more than demographics, why messages that match someone's sense of self get processed more deeply and persuade more effectively, and I hand you three practical identity lenses — role, values, and relationship-stage — you can layer over your existing donor data this week, no new software required.

Let's stay connected:

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Sources Referenced

de Vries, N. J., Reis, R., & Moscato, P. (2015).  "Clustering Consumers Based on Trust, Confidence and Giving Behaviour: Data-Driven Model Building for Charitable Involvement in the Australian Not-For-Profit Sector." PLOS ONE, 10(4). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25849547. Found seven distinct donor segments driven primarily by trust and confidence — not demographics or gift size.

Segment validation — Nonprofit Policy Forum.  degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/npf-2020-0003. Additional discussion of the seven-segment trust model and its application to donor targeting.

Self-schema matching research.  Journal of Consumer Research. Messages matched to a person's self-schema are processed more deeply and are more persuasive than mismatched messages of equal quality — the mechanism underneath why identity-matched fundraising copy outperforms generic copy.

Journal of Medical Internet Research — RCT on content-tailored messaging.  A randomized controlled trial found that tailoring message content to individual motivation (versus generic content) produced significantly better behavioral outcomes — cited here as a causal proof point for identity-matched messaging.

Sargeant, A., & Shang, J. — Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.  Research on philanthropic psychology and donor language mirroring, referenced previously on this show and applied here to the values-identity lens.

A Note on Sourcing

Built for Meaning is a conversational show, not a peer-reviewed journal — I simplify and translate research for a fundraising audience, and I want to be transparent about that. Where I reference a specific named study, you can trust it's a real, citable source, noted above. Where I speak more generally about patterns I've observed across the sector, that's practitioner experience, not formal citation. I try to always make the distinction clear in how I talk about it on air.

Fundraising emails don't usually fail because of one big, obvious error — they fail because of small, easy-to-miss habits that quietly cap performance. In this episode, Stephanie gets personal about five email mistakes she's made over the course of her own career: burying the ask, writing one email to an entire list, leading with the organization instead of the donor, only emailing when there's a need, and never testing a subject line. Each one comes with the fix she actually uses now so you can start sending better emails, today.

Let's stay connected:

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Most fundraising strategies fail for a simple reason: they optimize the ask instead of the identity behind it. This episode unpacks the behavioral science of identity-driven giving — why “just ask for more money” backfires, and what to say instead. Stephanie walks through Bem's self-perception theory, Aaker and Akutsu's identity-based motivation research, and the noun-versus-verb language effect from Bryan, Walton, Rogers, and Dweck — then translates all three into three concrete language shifts you can make in your very next appeal.

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Sources Cited

Bem, D. J. (1972) — “Self-Perception Theory,” in Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 6. The foundational research showing people often infer their own attitudes and identity by observing their own behavior — meaning an act of giving can shape a donor's self-concept, not just express it.

Aaker, J. L., & Akutsu, S. (2009) — “Why Do People Give? The Role of Identity in Giving,” Journal of Consumer Psychology, 19(3). Drawing on Daphna Oyserman's identity-based motivation model, this paper shows giving increases when an appeal activates an identity the donor already holds as central and valued.

Bryan, C. J., Walton, G. M., Rogers, T., & Dweck, C. S. (2011) — “Motivating Voter Turnout by Invoking the Self,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(31). Framing a behavior as an identity (“being a voter”) rather than an action (“voting”) increased real-world turnout in two statewide elections. Note for transparency: a 2016 replication by a separate research team did not find the same effect in a different sample, so the precise size of this result is debated — the episode presents it as directionally suggestive rather than settled fact.

A Note on Sourcing

Built for Meaning blends conversational storytelling with cited research. Where a specific study, statistic, or named researcher is referenced on air, you'll find the full citation above. Broader observations and industry patterns reflect Stephanie's professional experience and are not attributed to a specific study unless named.

There's a five-figure sum hiding in your donor database right now — not from donors you haven't met, but from ones who already said yes once.

In this episode, Stephanie Jiroch breaks down the GIFT Method — her four-step framework for calculating exactly how much revenue is recoverable from your existing donor file. Backed by sector data on donor retention and lifetime value, this episode makes the case that second gifts, not new acquisition, are the highest-leverage growth lever most organizations are ignoring.

Whether you're a fundraiser tired of the acquisition treadmill or a nonprofit leader watching grant dollars shrink, this episode hands you the math and a free calculator to run it yourself.

Let's stay connected:

✅ Access the free workshop + plug-n-play calculator

📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — go deeper with research, reframes, and practical insights delivered straight to your inbox: SUBSCRIBE HERE

📸 Connect on Instagram — @builtformeaning 

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In this episode, I go underneath the fundraising strategy and into the brain. Why do donors really stay? Not because the cause was worthy but because giving became part of who they are, among people they belong to. We walk through the neuroscience of belonging, the psychology of meaning-making and identity, why most fundraising accidentally signals “you’re an outsider,” and three concrete moves you can make this week to design for belonging instead.

Let's stay connected:

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Sources & further reading

•  Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). “Does Rejection Hurt? An fMRI Study of Social Exclusion.” Science, 302(5643), 290–292.  — The keystone study: social exclusion activates the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a region tied to the distress of physical pain.

•  Eisenberger, N. I., & Lieberman, M. D. (2004). “Why rejection hurts: a common neural alarm system for physical and social pain.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 8(7), 294–300.  — Follow-up review framing social and physical pain as a shared neural “alarm system.”

•  Springtide Research Institute & Clal, “The Belonging Project” pilot survey (2022).  — ~1,100 congregants; high-belonging members were 12x more likely to donate and 3.5x more likely to recommend. Belonging measured across four stages: noticed, named, known, needed.

•  Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy — Adrian Sargeant & Jen Shang, research on philanthropic psychology and donor identity (incl. Meaningful Philanthropy: The Person Behind the Giving).  — Mirroring donors’ own self-descriptive language strengthens giving and loyalty; the 27% lift figure is cited by practitioners drawing on this work.

•  NonProfit PRO — “Designing Donor Belonging” and “5 Community-Building Tactics to Boost Donor Acquisition.”  — Practitioner framing for the episode, including the language-mirroring and belonging-to-giving findings.

What if everything you've been told about donor fatigue is wrong?

In this episode, Stephanie challenges one of the most comfortable stories in fundraising — the idea that donors burn out from being asked too often. The truth is more uncomfortable, and far more useful: your donors aren't tired of giving. They're tired of being asked in a way that makes them feel unseen, unsure of their impact, and alone against an impossible problem.

In this episode:

• Why "donor fatigue" is often a story that lets organizations off the hook
• The four psychological roadblocks quietly training your donors to feel nothing
• The myth of frequency — and why value, not volume, was always the variable
• Three shifts rooted in identity-building: values-led messaging, transparency of impact, and story sharing
• Your one tangible assignment this week to audit your last sent appeal

Let's stay connected:

📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — go deeper with research, reframes, and practical insights delivered straight to your inbox: SUBSCRIBE HERE

📸 Connect on Instagram — @builtformeaning 

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Every generation gives differently and the nonprofits that miss this shift won't just lose donations, they'll lose relevance.

In this Quick Take episode, Stephanie breaks down how generational giving patterns are quietly reshaping philanthropy, why "the way we've always fundraised" is becoming a liability, and what adapting actually looks like when your donor base spans Boomers to Gen Z.

Whether you're a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or founder building for the long haul, this is your wake-up call.

Because people don't give to causes. They give to who they become through them.

Like what you're hearing? Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. 

And join me each week as I share more meaning-making tips straight to your inbox with the Meaning Makers Club.

After a long pause from podcasting, I'm back...and a lot has changed.

In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind my midlife pivot: the unexpected shifts in business, identity, and purpose that led me away from building brands and toward exploring something much deeper - meaning, generosity, and the psychology of why people connect, give, and belong.

If you've ever found yourself questioning the path you built, wondering whether success still fits, or feeling called toward something you can't quite explain yet, this conversation is for you.

I'm so glad you're here for this next chapter of Built for Meaning. Follow the show on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss future episodes. And if this story resonates with you, come say hello on Instagram and send me a message. I would love to hear about your own pivot and what meaning you're building in this season of life.

Connect on IG: @builtformeaning

Are these common web mistakes holding your business back? If you want a site that converts visitors into raving, paying fans - this is the episode for you.

Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join Stephanie each week as she takes on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way. 

Ready to shine online? Book a free Discovery Call to learn more about developing a standout brand identity + online presence  → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12413637&appointmentType=53267324

See a full list of branding services → https://brandpsyche.co/work-with-us 

What if achieving your big goals was as simple as filling a bucket, one drop at a time? In this hot take episode, I break down my "drops in a bucket" analogy and share how this mindset can transform the way you approach challenges in business and life. It’s all about consistency, patience, and celebrating small wins!

Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join me each week as I take on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way. 

Ready to shine online? Book a free Discovery Call to learn more about developing a standout brand identity + online presence  → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12413637&appointmentType=53267324

See a full list of branding services → https://brandpsyche.co/work-with-us 

Join me for a candid conversation with Laura Van Antwerp, the inspiring mind behind Your Sober Pal and Your Sober Pal Adventures. We dive into her journey from full-time corporate gal to business owner extraordinaire, the power of authenticity in building a personal brand, and how her sober lifestyle mission resonates with thousands of individuals online. Laura's vulnerability and candidness in sharing her entrepreneurial journey are beyond inspiring; this is an episode you do not want to skip and a must-listen for anyone building a brand with purpose and heart.

Connect with Laura at her website or on Instagram and TikTok.

Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join me each week as I take on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way.

Ready to shine online? Book a free Discovery Call to learn more about developing a standout brand + online presence  → Book Your Discovery Call

For a full list of our branding services → https://brandpsyche.co/work-with-us 

Discover the trends shaping the future of web design in 2025! From groundbreaking design aesthetics to functionality shifts, I'm sharing my top three predictions that will redefine how brands engage online in the year to come. Whether you’re building a new site or revamping an old one, this episode is packed with insights to future-proof your online presence.

Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join me each week as I take on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way.

Ready to shine online? Book a free Discovery Call to learn more about developing a standout brand identity + online presence  → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12413637&appointmentType=53267324

See a full list of branding services → https://brandpsyche.co/work-with-us 

Feeling overwhelmed by too many services? Struggling to attract your ideal clients? You're not alone! Today's episode of Business Her Way dives into the burning question: Should you have a signature offer?

Get ready for a hot take  (a quick, bite-sized episode) as I explore both sides of the coin:

** The Allure:**

• Laser-sharp focus: Attract dream clients with a clear message.
• Amplified sales: Convert interest into action with a streamlined offer.
• Brand clarity: Stand out from the crowd and be unforgettable.

** The Flip Side:**

• Boxed in? Risk limiting your offerings and stifling creativity.
• One-size-fits-all trap? Can your ideal client be neatly packaged?
• Marketing mayhem? Will it resonate with diverse audiences?

This episode is packed with real-life examples, practical tips, and NO pressure:

• Discover if a signature offer is your ride-or-die ‍♀️ or your business nemesis
• Get the tools to decide what's right for YOU and your unique goals
• Unleash your inner firecracker and rewrite the rules of your business

Don't miss this essential episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation. ✨

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Welcome to Business Her Way, a show dedicated to helping women rewrite the rules of what it means to be a female entrepreneur in today’s digital world. Each week join your host Stephanie Jiroch to discover the business and brand strategies successful women entrepreneurs use to create, build, and scale their online empires (businesses) and go behind the scenes of profitable, purpose-driven brands to learn how you, too, can stand out in a sea of online sameness. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a few years, Business Her Way will help you launch, scale and grow your business, your way.

Welcome to Business Her Way, a show dedicated to helping women rewrite the rules of what it means to be a female entrepreneur in today’s digital world. On today's episode, Stephanie speaks with Sadie Fienberg of Butterfly Creative Projects. Listen in as Stephanie and Sadie talk business strategy, growth plans, and how to anchor your business in value-driven revenue practices. 

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a few years, Business Her Way will help you launch, scale and grow your business, your way.

Sadie's Website: butterflycreativeprojects.com
Follow Sadie on Instagram: @sadiefienberg

And don't forget to leave us a review! With over 20,000 downloads + listens, your review helps others find podcasts just like this one. 

In this episode, I unveil the compelling reasons why planning your year ahead in November trumps waiting until January. Discover the advantages of getting a head start on your annual goals, and gain insights into a practical planning process.

I'll share my personal approach to year-ahead planning, outlining the steps I take and the key metrics I measure. Find out how to set the stage for a successful year by identifying your priorities, breaking down goals into actionable steps, and tracking progress throughout the months.

By planning in November, you'll be equipped to hit the ground running in January, ensuring a smoother and more productive year ahead. 

Ready to shine online?

Book a Perfect Fit Call to learn more about developing a standout brand identity + online presence  → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12413637&appointmentType=53267324

And don't forget to download the One-Page Marketing Plan here: https://brandpsyche-strategies-llc.ck.page/ea31b48a6b 

Do you know the difference between marketing and branding? Like so many, most people spend considerable time marketing their business and not building their brand first. In this episode, Stephanie shares the very simple distinction between marketing and branding, and shares why every entrepreneur must make their branding a priority. 

Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join Stephanie each week as she takes on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way.

Book your Brand Blueprint → https://brandpsyche.co/brand-blueprint

Ready to shine online? Book a Perfect Fit Call to learn more about developing a standout brand identity + online presence  → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12413637&appointmentType=53267324

Had enough of the "Make $1M While You Sleep" empty promises and "do it this way" coaching models? Join me in this episode as I share my transformative rebranding journey and why it's a game-changer for my brand and this podcast. This season, I'm debunking the misleading narratives and inspiring you with stories of women who've succeeded on their terms. Get practical advice, embrace authenticity, and give yourself permission to build your brand your way.

Ready to take charge of your branding journey? Visit https://brandpsyche.co for resources, tools, and support in building your BrilliantBrand™️. Don't miss this transformative episode – subscribe, review, and share. Welcome to Business Her Way.

In my fifteen years of working with and supporting business owners, I have seen firsthand the impact a holistic approach can have on their overall success. When entrepreneurs integrate their mind, body and business strategies, it catapults their revenue, impact and industry growth. Now, whether you call it energetics or mindset shifts or subconscious reprogramming the bottom line is this, you can have all the strategies in the world but if you aren’t simultaneously working on your innermost self at the same time, you’ll miss out on what’s ultimately possible for you.

To work with Stephanie visit https://storyleadershipinstitute.com/business-coaching

Grab your free business resources at https://storyleadershipinstitute.com/resources

Connect with her on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniejiroch

And as always, please leave a review, subscribe and share this episode with friends! 

Get ready to shift those outdated and limiting money stories! Today on the podcast I have the honor of speaking to Sam Kopelman, money mindset coach for millennial women. She's bringing the heat (and lots of aha moments for me!) on saving, spending, and shifting the stories that keep us from financial freedom.  Sam and I go deep and I share a few money mindset stories that hold me back from experiencing next level success on my journey. You don't want to miss this!

To learn more about Sam and her work, visit https://samrobincoaching.com/ and connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/samrobincoaching/

Love this episode? Rate it, share it and don't forget to subscribe for more just like it. 

Ready to move through those limiting beliefs? Shift your story with this free 5-minute guided meditation for female leaders: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/642ca62100b71c2447920e70

And don't forget to connect with Stephanie:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniejiroch

Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadwithstory 

As humans, we are naturally drawn to stories. From the earliest times, we have used stories to share knowledge, entertain each other, and connect with one another. Stories are an essential part of our lives, and they can also be a powerful tool for leadership and branding. That's why we have developed "The Story Trifecta™️," a proprietary method that helps our clients engage, clarify, and influence through storytelling. In today's episode, dive into the three elements of The Story Trifecta™️ to maximize your brand or professional story. 

Love this episode? Rate it, share it and don't forget to subscribe for more just like it. 

Learn more about Impact: The Mastermind at https://storyleadershipinstitute.com/impact-mastermind

Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint at https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63eecb72f55c70e680a813be 

And don't forget to connect with Stephanie!

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniejiroch

Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadwithstory 

Here’s the thing: recessions, fluctuating markets, pandemics, cool new tech…they happen! In order to survive the next big event, you need to "story-proof" your business. That’s why today, I’m sharing my StoryProof Plan™ to support you in securing your business or personal brand for economic hardship, market shifts, and technological advances (like A.I.). This 3-step process supports you in staying one step ahead of fluctuating world events. 

To grab your free StoryProof Plan™: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/643e1e6046aaeb64ed6a0192

Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadwithstory

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniejiroch

For high-achieving and high-performing women, we are often conditioned to project a certain image to the world. For many that might be a mask of perfection, constantly striving to meet the expectations of those around us. For others, it might be the “fake it till you make it” experience of hustle and grind energy. And usually, we seek success, wealth, and recognition, often at the expense of our own well-being, fulfillment and soul-level desires. 

In today's episode, I'm asking two very important questions as we begin to craft (and live) your authentic story.

Like what you hear? Connect with Stephanie.

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniejiroch

Instagram: @leadwithstory

Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63eecb72f55c70e680a813be

In today's remote work environment, engaging with your remote workforce can be a challenge. But with the power of brand storytelling, you can create a culture of engagement and loyalty that inspires your team and drives success. In this episode, I explore the key elements of a compelling brand story, and how to use that story to connect with and retain top remote talent. From crafting your brand narrative to using storytelling techniques to build rapport with your team, I cover everything you need to know about harnessing the power of brand storytelling in your remote workforce. Tune in and discover the key to unlocking your team's potential, no matter where they are.

To schedule a Lead With Story workshop for your department, team or company, visit https://storyleadershipinstitute.com today.

In this episode, I share the seven powerful areas of the coaching process that supports a client in success and growth. I'll discuss how a coach can provide valuable insights, help you overcome obstacles, and develop strategies to achieve your goals. I'll also explore the role of partnership in coaching, and how building a strong relationship with your coach can enhance the coaching process. If you've been thinking of hiring a business coach, this episode is for you! 

To work with us, visit https://storyleadershipinstitute.com today.

In this episode of our podcast, I delve into the importance of having a strong mission statement for your team or organization. But not just any mission statement - we're talking about upgrading your "why" to reignite your team's ambition.

You will learn the key elements of an effective mission statement and how to align it with your team's core values and goals. You'll also discover strategies for communicating your mission statement to your team in a way that inspires and motivates everyone to work towards a shared vision.

If you're looking to take your team's performance to the next level, tune in to this episode to learn how upgrading your "why" can be a game-changer for your organization.

To receive more insightful story strategies and tips, subscribe to our newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63eecb72f55c70e680a813be

To achieve success and professional fulfillment, entrepreneurs and business leaders need to understand themselves and their teams better. One way to do this is by taking personality tests that can give them insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. This week I look at three popular personality assessments for entrepreneurs: Kolbe A Index, Enneagram, and Human Design. I’ll explore how each test is different and how they can be used to enhance leadership skills, drive success and build stronger teams.

To work with Stephanie or learn more about coaching and story workshops, visit https://storyleadershipinstitute.com

Resources

• Kolbe A Index - https://www.kolbe.com/kolbe-a-index/
• Enneagram - https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
• Human Design - https://humandesignblueprint.com/

An excellent leader possesses many qualities, including strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. However, one often overlooked superpower that can set a leader apart from the rest is narrative intelligence. What is narrative intelligence, you might ask? In a nutshell, narrative intelligence is the ability to understand, craft, and communicate compelling stories that inspire and motivate others.

In today's episode, I share what Narrative Intelligence is, how leaders and teams use it to meet goals, and why NI is the skill you - as an emerging leader - needs to reach new levels of success. 

Listen and subscribe today! Like this podcast? Leave a review and share with friends.

In this episode, I'll be discussing how to use your professional story to navigate the uncertainty and challenges of mass layoffs. With the economic impacts of the pandemic continuing to affect industries and organizations worldwide, many professionals are finding themselves facing unexpected layoffs and job loss.

But even in the midst of this upheaval, your professional story can be a powerful tool for resilience and career reinvention. By understanding and articulating your unique skills, strengths, and experiences, you can stand out in a crowded job market and demonstrate your value to potential employers or clients.

We'll explore strategies for identifying and crafting your professional story, including:

• Reflecting on your past successes and achievements
• Identifying your unique skills and strengths
• Recognizing the transferable skills you can bring to new roles or industries
• Tailoring your story to different job opportunities or clients
• Networking and building connections through your story

Whether you're facing a layoff, considering a career change, or simply looking to build your professional brand, this episode will provide you with actionable insights and inspiration for using your professional story to navigate uncertainty and build a fulfilling career.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed when reaching toward a goal? Or you berate yourself for not 'getting there' sooner? High achievers always struggle with the pace of success, often leading to burnout. In today's episode, I'm teaching the anti-hustle strategy that blew open my mind - and changed the way I look at my long-term success plan for good. 

Like this episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend! 

Welcome to this episode of Lead With Story, where I explore the benefits of journaling for leaders. Join me as I share journaling as a tool to improve your leadership skills and achieve your goals.

You'll learn how journaling can help you gain clarity on your leadership vision, track your progress and hold yourself accountable, and process and reflect on your experiences and emotions. I'm also sharing different journaling techniques and strategies that can be used to enhance your leadership development.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out on your leadership journey, this podcast is for you. Tune in to discover how journaling can help you become a better leader and achieve greater success in your professional and personal life.

And don't forget to download your free Leader's Journal with five daily prompts: https://storyleadershipinstitute.com/leadership-journal

In today's episode, Stephanie discusses how her morning routine has changed over the years and how she utilizes her morning time for maximum efficiency with two small children. With morning routines becoming more popular, with books being written regularly on the subject, most morning routines do not take into account caregiving responsibilities and are not geared toward default parents. As an entrepreneur, CEO and mother, Stephanie shares how her morning routine has evolved over the years and how she honors and starts her day with two small children at home. Like this episode? Don't forget to rate this podcast and share it with a friend!

Ever struggle with a problem, either within the company or even within your team, and instead of solving it you throw some duct tape around it? That's the short-term solution that while easy, often leads to bigger long-term problems. If you're a leader, CEO or entrepreneur using duct tape to fix the issues now, today's episode will help you quickly and efficiently solve any problem using this three step approach. 

Like this episode? Do me a favor and leave a review or share it with a like-minded friend. 

If there's anything I do to live a fulfilling and joyful life, it's this one list that has changed the way I show up to my work, with my family, and as a friend. This practice, when done and reviewed regularly, will provide you a life full of your wildest dreams. Learn what I do and how I do it in this episode of Lead With Story. 

This week on Lead With Story, Stephanie speaks with Sarah Gobbs-Hill, CEO of Listening Forward Consulting. Stephanie and Sarah dive into the top leadership traits coveted by so many and discuss the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship. Whether it's commanding a boardroom or pitching new clients, Sarah offers insightful advice from her journey in leadership. You can connect with Sarah on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gobbs-hill/ 

*The book Stephanie refers to at the end of the show, The Female Brain, is written by Dr. Louann Brizendine and is available at most major booksellers.

In the launch of Season 3 of Lead With Story Podcast, Stephanie shares the four key elements that make up a successful leader. After spending the last ten years working with entrepreneurs and business owners around the world, she's narrowed down these four traits as the most telling of a successful versus toxic leader. Listen in and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 

Cameron Bannister, CEO and co-founder of FreeByrd, is on a mission to empower creatives to do what they love while making money online. After spending 13-years as a traveling hairstylist to NYC, LA, and Dallas, Cameron was inspired to help her creative peers, many of whom are extremely talented but lack the tech-savviness required to grow a business online. She believes in helping even the most tech-averse professionals “fly free” in today’s tech-centric world. When Cameron’s not helping FreeByrds spread their wings, you can find her with her family (including three dogs in tow) adventuring in nature.

Checkout FreeByrd here: https://freebyrd.pro/a/vkvoaz

Follow FreeByrd on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/freebyrdco/

*links contained in these show notes are affiliate-based

You know you need an MVP website (see episode #39) but what exactly are you testing or measuring when it goes live? 

For most early-stage startups, you’re testing your minimum viable product, spending time in R&D, and engaging in conversation to raise capital. That doesn’t leave much time for marketing, let alone analyzing your KPIs when you’re just getting numbers on the board.

In this episode, I'll share the 3 key metrics you need to monitor on your new website so you can monitor your progress and report back to investors with confidence.

Ready to Build Your Minimum Viable Website?

At BrandPsyche, we take the guesswork out of building your MVP website. Our Website in A Week and Done-In-A-Day packages provide you access to simple one and multi-page builds that look polished, professional, and ready to convert your ideal target market, impress investors, and acquire those early customers.

No more high-priced agencies pitching $30k+ for your first stage website design.

No more back and forth resulting in delays and scope creep.

No more embarrassment or confusion when an investor wants to see your homepage. 

Instead, you’ll walk away with a beautifully designed site that meets your minimum viable brand standards as your startup grows.

Book a 20-minute discovery call to learn more or learn more at https://brandpsyche.co/minimum-viable-website 

At the very least, an MVP website is a quick and dirty website. It includes features like a logo, social buttons, as well as a description, basic product information, and the contact details of the company’s founders. Coined from the term ‘Minimum Viable Products,’ MVPs are products that have just enough features to satisfy early customers and meet at least one of their identified needs. The term "minimum" refers to its minimal nature and the term "viable" refers to the need to work in reality. MVPs are launched to introduce target customers to an early version of a product and to gather their feedback for its future development.

Using this same framework, the MVP website or minimum viable website as we call it, hinges on the same principles. 

At BrandPsyche, we take the guesswork out of building your MVP website. Our Website in A Week and Done-In-A-Day packages provide you access to simple one and multi-page builds that look polished, professional, and ready to convert your ideal target market, impress investors, and acquire those early customers. 

No more high-priced agencies pitching $30k+ for your first stage website design.

No more back and forth resulting in delays and scope creep.

No more embarrassment or confusion when an investor wants to see your homepage. 

Instead, you’ll walk away with a beautifully designed site that meets your minimum viable brand standards as your startup grows.

Book a 20-minute discovery call to learn more or learn more at https://brandpsyche.co/minimum-viable-website 

Julie Arsenault is the founder and CEO of Panty Drop, a technology company that delivers a personalized intimates shopping experience for women of all sizes. They are tackling a multi-billion dollar market and growing rapidly.

In this episode of Empower Your Marketing, Julie talks all about her journey from working at and leading startups in the Bay Area, to starting a subscription  box service,  and developing a product of her own.  Julie saw the need for inclusivity in fashion and had the goal of creating a place where women of all sizes can shop and get the same options that are normally reserved for smaller sizes.

Julie moved to Reno, NV in 2016. She’s passionate about growing the startup and tech ecosystem here. You can learn more about Julie and Panty Drop on the Pantry Drop website as well as on Instagram and Facebook  and LinkedIn.

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  Download Here!

Ashley Connell, founder & CEO of Prowess Project (based in Austin, TX) doesn't have time to take it easy. As 5.4 million women return to work after the global pandemic's "she-cession," Ashley's job is to get them back into the workforce.

In this episode of Empower Your Marketing, Ashley talks all things hiring as she shares her journey of building Prowess Project, a female-focused recruiting and hiring company dedicated to getting women back in the workforce after extended periods away. Whether it's for motherhood, caring for a loved one, or taking a sabbatical, she's created a company that helps women find their professional footing. 

Ashley talks about investors, funding, scaling, and pivoting in an interview that will both inspire and empower you to build your startup, starting today. 

To learn more about Ashley and her work, visit prowessproject.com and follow Prowess on Instagram or LinkedIn

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  Download Here!

Lauren Ashcroft is the founder of UltimateYou, a company on a mission to empower entrepreneurs, students, and professionals to reach their biggest goals.

This week, I talk with Lauren about her quick rise from concept to shipped product (in less than a year!), her use of crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, and her unique experience of starting a company during a global pandemic.

Lauren funded the launch of her business in 2020 through a successful Kickstarter campaign, she has received funding from the Hamburg Creative Society and has recently been featured in Women’s Health Magazine. Her first product, the UltimateYou Planner is transforming the lives of people around the world, who are adopting the strategies and tools to bring more productivity and calm into their days.

You can find the UltimateYou Planner on Instagram and on the UltimateYou website.

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  http://bit.ly/brandstoryblueprint

Since leaving the corporate world, Marielle's life has become all about start-ups. From the onset, the goal of her own entrepreneurship journey has always been to help fellow entrepreneurs achieve their goals. 

Marielle forte is digital, branding, and strategy, however as her approach is business-oriented and strategic, her role quickly evolved to include business advisory and consultancy and to become an investor through L.I.C.

Marielle has personally worked with and consulted for over 100 founders and start-ups from across the world. Having lived in 6 countries across 3 continents, she draws on her international experience working with clients.

Before setting out on her own and founding The EMMS, Marielle worked at various global organizations to support major companies, such as ExxonMobil, Unilever, GE, OCBC, Danone, and many more with their communications.

Marielle completed her Master’s Degree in Management in the Creative Industries in London at the University of Kingston and holds a Bachelor’s in Strategy from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. She has been living in Singapore since 2012.

 To learn more about Marielle and her work, visit www.the-emms.com

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  Download Here!

Startups are everywhere, but it seems they come and go as quickly as they begin. Having a new one may seem scary and chaotic but it is definitely an exciting adventure to try and it should be a staple for every entrepreneur.

If you're thinking of having your own start-up, you will need all the tools to achieve success. There is one special tool that will take you and your startup to go to the next level: your story.

Remember this and say it over, and over again- Storytelling is going to make your business stand out from the rest, make your audience engage with your content, and create a following of clients since day one.

Today, you will know more about the steps you need to take to achieve a great story that is defined only by you and your startup.

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  Download Here!

Kelly Glover books podcast tours for entrepreneurs so they can build brand equity. As the founder of The Talent Squad, Kelly is driven by the core belief that your personal brand is your most valuable asset.

Kelly is a natural energizer obsessed with booking podcast interviews for her clients enabling them to deliver incredible value to audiences, build relationships with hosts, and increase credibility, authority, visibility, and influence.

In 2007 Kelly released her first podcast but it wasn’t until 2014 that she finally made the transition from commercial radio host to podcast guest booking agent. Then in 2017, Kelly was faced with a “Jerry Maguire Moment”, and with just a single client and one team member launched her podcast guest booking agency, The Talent Squad.

Kelly splits her time between Los Angeles, New York, and Sydney.

To learn more about Kelly and her work, visit https://kellyglover.com/ or http://thetalentsquad.com/. 

Ready to take your brand message to a new level? Grab your FREE copy of the BrandStory Blueprint to learn the simple strategy that’ll have you confidently & clearly communicating a captivating brand story to attract those raving, paying super fans! -->  Download Here!