Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small-Business Marketing – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if the secret to building a high-performing team wasn’t in your systems, but in your sense of humour? In this episode, Hayley Bohan is joined by the always-energizing Michael Kerr — international speaker, author, and “Workplace Energizer” — to unpack how small businesses can lead with intention, laugh more, and create cultures that don’t suck the soul out of their people.

If you’re a small business owner juggling all the hats and hiring your first few team members, this one’s for you.

Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, founder of Humour at Work, and the author of nine books — including his latest, Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results. For over 25 years, he’s been travelling the globe to help organizations create more collaborative, humane, and hilariously effective workplaces. Learn more at mikekerr.com.

• Why humour is a leadership superpower (even if you don’t think you’re funny)

• Michael’s leap from senior leadership to solo-preneur speaker — and what made it stick

• The difference between managing and leading culture (yes, even with just 2 employees!)

• What happens when values are just words on a wall — and how to bring them to life

• The ROI of culture: retention, trust, and brand reputation

• Why a sense of purpose makes employees stay (even when they get better offers)

• The one value that transformed a company’s culture: “100% Jerk-Free Workplace”

• Plus: Michael’s practical tips on building culture without spending more money or time

• Michael’s book: Small Moments, Big Outcomes

• Michael’s Website

• Michael on LinkedIn

• Michael on YouTube

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If you’re building a brand that’s rooted in purpose and people, don’t just focus on the outside perception. Start from the inside — and lead with humour.

• (00:00:01) - Daring Heart and Strategy in Small Business Marketing
• (00:01:41) - How to Change a Soul Sucking Workplace
• (00:06:01) - Why Leaders Should Lead With Humor
• (00:10:22) - How to Build a Culture of Excellence in your Business
• (00:17:31) - Importance of values in a small business
• (00:21:25) - The Value of Humor at Work
• (00:24:59) - How to Train Your Dog to Sleep
• (00:26:48) - Building a Business on a Slow Start
• (00:31:50) - Do You Get Any Repeat Jobs?
• (00:33:06) - How to Think of Yourself as a Culture Leader
• (00:35:26) - A sense of purpose in the workplace
• (00:42:15) - Valuing your Employees: The 2
• (00:43:22) - How to Build a Culture of Excellence
• (00:45:14) - A message about leadership and culture
• (00:46:38) - Daring Dreams

What if a life-changing diagnosis became the start of your biggest impact?

At just 33, Jessica Baladad found a lump that would set her on an entirely new path. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Jessica to hear how she turned a breast cancer diagnosis into a mission-driven business that’s helping people around the world take control of their health.

With no tech background, Jessica taught herself how to build an app, and ended up creating Feel For Your Life, a globally downloaded, free resource for self-exams, reminders, and even AI-powered pathology report support.

This is entrepreneurship rooted in purpose. It's about turning pain into power, and a personal story into a global movement.

Jessica Baladad is a six-year breast cancer survivor, self-taught app developer, and founder of Feel For Your Life — the first self-exam and breast health tracking app built by a patient, for patients. Her app has been downloaded tens of thousands of times across 147+ countries and includes a first-of-its-kind AI feature to help users interpret complex pathology reports.

Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, USA Today, Upworthy, and more — and has even partnered with the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign. Beyond the app, she’s become a powerful voice in healthcare advocacy, working on state legislation, speaking before members of Congress, and pushing for access, equity, and transparency in the healthcare system.

✅ How Jessica turned a personal health crisis into a global mission
✅ The origin story of Feel For Your Life — and how it started in the shower
✅ How she taught herself to build an app (and rebuilt it from scratch after a server fire!)
✅ Her mindset shift from “Why me?” to “Use me.”
✅ Why storytelling — not just strategy — was key to media visibility
✅ The AI tool helping patients understand pathology reports
✅ How she keeps the app free through sponsorships and speaking
✅ What to do when someone says “you can’t” (hint: her answer is “watch me”)
✅ Advice for anyone who wants to turn a difficult experience into advocacy or impact
✅ Her personal story of catching a precancerous mole during a recent self-exam

• Feel For Your Life App (available on App Store + Google Play)

• Breastfriend AI: in-app tool to interpret pathology reports

• How to find Jessica:

  • Instagram: @jessica.baladad

  • LinkedIn: Jessica Baladad

  • Twitter: @jessica_baladad

  • Facebook: Jessica Baladad

Download the Feel For Your Life app and start your monthly self-exams today.
Share this episode with a friend, sister, or partner — it might just save a life.
Want to build something meaningful from your story? Let Jessica’s journey inspire your first step.

Subscribe to Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing to hear more stories where purpose meets entrepreneurship. Follow Hayley Bohan on Instagram @hayley_bohan and connect at marketingonpurpose.ca for marketing coaching, branding insight, and more.

• (00:00:00) - Can You Defeat The Negative?
• (00:00:19) - Daring Dreams: Jessica Baladad
• (00:01:50) - I Found A Lump in My Breast When I Was 18
• (00:06:36) - Jessica Jones on the Fight for Your Life
• (00:11:00) - Breast Cancer Care: Feel for Your Life App
• (00:14:49) - How the Self-Examination App Got Viral
• (00:18:41) - The 'Self-Examination' App
• (00:21:53) - So what would you say to somebody else who maybe wants to do
• (00:23:08) - The Secret to Making Money in Business
• (00:27:10) - Susan Boyle on Her Fight Against Breast Cancer
• (00:28:34) - Feast for Your Life: The App

In today’s episode, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Gilles Essiembre, founder and head coach of O2Max, a company that helps clients improve longevity and athletic performance through metabolic and respiratory training.

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s struggled with finding the right market, balancing personal priorities with business, or staying persistent in the face of setbacks, this episode is packed with insights just for you.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Power of Adaptation: Gilles shares how he had to pivot his marketing strategy from targeting athletes to focusing on longevity clients. This switch played a pivotal role in the growth of his business.
• Following Your Gut: Sometimes, your instincts are the best guide in business. Gilles talks about when to trust your gut, even if it means walking away from potential profit to do what's best for the client.
• Balancing Life and Business: Hayley and Gilles discuss the challenge of balancing health and business and how stepping back to reassess can prevent burnout.
• Finding the Right Clients: After years of trial and error, Gilles found success by marketing to clients who value longevity, proving that focusing on the right audience can transform your business.
• One Handshake Away: Gilles explains the importance of networking, as a single introduction can change the trajectory of your business.
• The Importance of Respiratory Training: Gilles breaks down how respiratory muscle training can improve your body’s efficiency, leading to better oxygen absorption, improved fat burning, and even enhanced cognitive function. This kind of training not only benefits athletes but also contributes to long-term health and longevity.

Additional Resources:

• Connect with Gilles at O2max or on LinkedIn.
• Listen to Hayley’s interview with Kathryn Speer on proactive health
• See how you can work with Hayley to clarify your message too, here.

Tune in to hear how staying flexible and prioritizing relationships has helped Gilles build a thriving, purpose-driven business.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Daring Dreams podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Have a brilliant business idea but unsure how to bring it to market? This episode is your blueprint. Marketing isn’t just part of the launch—it IS the launch.

Guest Introduction: Sara Furlong-Warren, Chief Content Officer and Co-Founder of Storyay, joins Hayley Bohan to share how her team successfully launched an innovative children's product using a highly strategic marketing approach. With 20 years of experience in kids’ entertainment and publishing, Sara brings deep insight into what it takes to go from idea to fully funded Kickstarter.

Episode Summary: Launching a business isn't just about building the product—it’s about building the market. In this episode, Sara shares:

• How Storyay reimagined children's reading with serialized, personalized, mailed stories.
• Why they prioritized brand strategy before anything else.
• The importance of a pre-launch runway and how they used social media, PR, and live TV appearances to build early trust.
• How Kickstarter served as both funding and a powerful marketing tool.
• The importance of educating the customer when selling something truly unique.
• The vital role email marketing plays in conversion and retention.
• How the team built out a full-circle strategy to drive attraction, conversion, retention, and expansion.

Whether you’re launching a new product or considering a pivot, Sara’s approach is a masterclass in small business marketing strategy.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Sara and learn more about Storyay

Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - Website

Connect with Hayley

Instagram - Facebook - Website - Book

  If you're feeling stuck on your own business launch, make sure you're following Daring Dreams and subscribe for more marketing strategy deep dives!

If your podcast is lighting up your soul but draining your time without results—you’re not alone. In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with marketing and visibility strategist Kimberly Spencer to explore how to turn your platform into a purposeful, profit-aligned asset.

Guest Intro: Kimberly Spencer is an award-winning high-performance, trauma-informed coach, TEDx speaker, founder of Crown Yourself® and CEO of Communication Queens, and the bestselling author of Make Every Podcast Want You, which was named one of the "Top Books of 2024 to Change Your Life" by Foureva Media in NYC’s Times Square. She's been featured on Netflix, The CW, ESPN, Thrive Global, NPR, and Forbes—and she's here to help you rethink how visibility and subconscious identity shape your results.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

️ How Kimberly generated over $250K in business from guest podcasting Why her agency model wasn’t sustainable—despite “success” on the outside ⚙️ The strategic decision to restructure her business to protect profit & peace How subconscious blocks around guilt, identity, and visibility can cap growth Why your podcast (or book!) should be your #1 lead magnet The 3 types of guests that grow your business—not just your download count How to detach your self-worth from your business outcomes (without losing drive) The “avoidance list” tool that uncovers your next bold move

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Make Every Podcast Want You by Kimberly Spencer
• Crown Yourself® Coaching
• Communication Queens 
• Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

If you’re ready to let your podcast work double-duty—building your brand and your bottom line—don’t miss this episode. And don’t forget to share it with a fellow dreamer who's building visibility with heart and strategy.

Judith and Justin Sweeney, the founders of Bubbles and Balms, share their inspiring journey of building a values-driven skincare business over the past 10 years. From battling imposter syndrome to navigating major pivots during the pandemic, they’ve learned how to turn challenges into opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to build confidence and push past imposter syndrome.
• Why simplifying your product offerings can lead to greater success.
• The importance of mental health in entrepreneurship.
• Lessons on pivoting and adapting during times of uncertainty.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Meet Judith and Justin Sweeney and their passion for skincare.

05:50 – Overcoming imposter syndrome as new entrepreneurs.

15:30 – How they pivoted from in-person markets to e-commerce during COVID-19.

25:45 – Why simplifying product offerings improved their marketing and sales.

32:10 – The value of a strong brand identity and lessons from rebranding.

43:20 – Managing mental health challenges while building a business.

50:10 – Key advice for entrepreneurs on learning, mentorship, and persistence.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Bubbles and Balms: Visit their website: bubblesandbalms.ca

Hayley’s book Brand Worth Loving: Check it out here ✨

Ready to Build Your Dream Business? Tune in now to hear Judith and Justin’s inspiring story and get actionable advice to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Don’t forget to: Subscribe to Daring Dreams on your favorite platform.

Leave a review to let us know your favourite takeaway. Every review helps us reach more small business owners who dare to dream big!

Are you thinking about launching a podcast — or already have one, but feel like you're shouting into the void? In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with podcast producer and strategist Joel Oliver, founder of East Coast Studio, to dig into what really makes podcasting an effective marketing strategy, not just a content channel.

From choosing your niche to repurposing one episode into a week’s worth of content, Joel breaks down what it actually takes to build an audience, grow trust, and (yes!) turn listeners into paying customers. Whether you're just starting out or already publishing weekly episodes, this one will help you podcast with a purpose.

Meet Our Guest: Joel Oliver is the founder of East Coast Studio, a full-service podcast production company focused on helping health and wellness entrepreneurs launch and grow impactful shows — without the overwhelm. He’s also the host of Profits Through Podcasting, and a big believer in aligning marketing with what you actually love doing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why podcasting works best when it’s part of your marketing funnel
• The biggest mistake most podcasters make (and how to avoid becoming part of the 93% who quit)
• How Joel’s own health scare forced him to delegate and build a scalable business
• The four “growth pathways” to promote your podcast like a pro
• Why niching down can supercharge your podcast and your marketing strategy
• Tools and tactics Joel recommends to repurpose your podcast into reels, blogs, and beyond
• How to build trust and community — not just listeners

Marketing Strategy Takeaways:

1. Podcasting is a content engine — but only if you repurpose it smartly.
2. Delegate what drains you to stay consistent and focused on high-value marketing.
3. Use your podcast to build trust and warm up leads for your actual offer — not random sponsors.
4. Niche podcasts convert better. Clarity in who you serve = better reach and results.

️ Resources Mentioned:

East Coast Studio

Profits Through Podcasting (Joel’s podcast)

Connect with Joel 

LinkedIn

Instagram

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting a podcast (or struggling to grow one), this is your sign to take the leap — with a strategy. Listen now and let’s turn your content into a client magnet.

Ever feel like your brand won’t grow unless you turn your life into content? This episode is your permission slip to do it differently.

️ Guest Introduction: In this episode of Daring Dreams, Hayley Bohan sits down with Shanna Truffini, the creator of You Are A Gardener® and the Pull Your Weeds® movement. What started as a personal moment with her kids turned into a mission-driven platform that’s now reached over 25,000 students and educators through books, blogs, school assemblies, and emotional empowerment tools. Shanna shares how she built all of it — while working another full-time job — and why she’s chosen not to be the face of her brand.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Shanna intentionally pulled back from being front-and-center in her brand — and how it created more space for others to connect
• How she built a message-first platform with no full-time team Her favorite marketing tools (yes, Canva is one of them — and it’s not just for design)
• Why newsletters and referrals are still her top growth channels
• What she avoids on social media — and why How gratitude, creativity, and purpose help her stay consistent
• What advice she gives to aspiring entrepreneurs (hint: it starts with passion, not the perfect plan)

Resources Mentioned:

You Are A Gardener® – Explore the book, blog, and school programs

Talk-A-Dot – Recommended tool for speaker feedback and referrals

Feeling inspired to grow something that feels good and does good? Check out youareagardener.com to grab the book, join the newsletter, or book a school program.

Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share if this episode spoke to you!

Welcome to the first episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing. Today, Hayley Bohan dives into her absolute favourite topic – the importance of building a brand strategy for small business owners and solopreneurs. In this episode, Hayley introduces the "three, two, one" framework, offering three compelling reasons, two actionable tips, and one inspiring story on why you need to create a brand strategy.

Show Notes:

• Introduction: Hayley Bohan discusses the significance of infusing personal values and beliefs into your business through a brand strategy.
• Three Reasons to Create a Brand Strategy:
  • Clarity: A well-defined brand strategy provides clarity on your brand’s identity, messaging, and differentiation in the market.
  • Meaning: Infusing personal values and beliefs into your brand creates a meaningful and fulfilling business journey.
  • Ease: A strong brand strategy simplifies marketing efforts by providing a clear direction and consistent messaging.
• Two Actionable Tips:
  • Know Your Customers: Engage with your customers to understand why they choose your business.
  • Believe in Your Legacy: Envision your business as more than just a product or service – see it as a lasting legacy.
• Inspiring Story: The journey of Khryspn Jensen, a first aid trainer, who transformed her business through a solid brand strategy, eventually creating a franchise model.
• Call to Action: Visit our website to learn more about building a brand strategy, and check out Hayley’s book, "Brand Worth Loving," for a step-by-step guide.

Additional Resources:

• Brand Worth Loving Book
• Marketing On Purpose Website
• Legacy Builders Lab (Learn to create your Brand-Worth-Loving with Hayley)

If you're ready to bring clarity, meaning, and ease to your business, create a brand strategy. Head over to our website for resources and courses to get you started. Don't forget to subscribe to Daring Dreams for more insightful episodes!

Is your marketing sucking the life out of you? Dramatic, yes, but certainly the way many small business owners feel. Join host, Hayley Bohan, in this episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing as she transforms the dread of marketing into an enjoyable and effective part of your business journey.

In this episode, Hayley dives into the common struggles small business owners face with marketing. From hating the process to feeling overwhelmed by a lack of results, she addresses it all. Hayley shares three signs that marketing is draining you, offers actionable steps to combat these issues, and provides a powerful mindset shift that can turn marketing from a chore into a helpful tool for your business.

Key Takeaways: Three Signs Marketing is Draining You:

1. You hate marketing.
2. You're not seeing results.
3. You keep putting it off.

Two Quick Actions to Improve Marketing:

1. Assess and adjust your current efforts.
2. Play to your strengths and interests.

One Mindset Shift:

View marketing as a way to help your ideal customers find and choose you.

Instagram Strategy Tips: https://www.instagram.com/hayley_bohan/

Feeling drained by your marketing efforts? Tune in to this episode and discover how to breathe new life into your strategies. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this helpful!