I just had a friend who lost her entire house and everything in it in the recent fires we had in Oklahoma. Such an incredibly devastating thing to lose all of your children's baby books, your wedding ring, your daughter's wedding dress for her upcoming wedding, your parents and grandparents family heirlooms, not to mention every single thing you own. Experiencing a fire that destroys everything can be devastating, but it can also lead to profound perspective shifts, resilience, and personal growth.

One important lesson I learned from watching her go through this is that things are not important and can be replaced. Your family and friends are way more important than any item. To watch the community rise up and step in to help has been incredible to see. The most valuable things in life aren’t possessions—they’re people, relationships, and memories. Losing material things definitely hurts, but it also clarifies what truly matters. 

When faced with loss, gratitude for life itself becomes the ultimate takeaway and you learn really quickly how strong and resilient you really are. Tune into the latest episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast as I share the biggest lessons learned finding resilience after destruction.

What if I told you that you have been missing out on the one thing that would bring you time freedom and financial freedom to live life on your terms with no regrets, hesitation or fear? 

There is one thing and one thing only to create time freedom to spend more quality time with your family and financial freedom so you don't have to be dependent on anyone and can make financial decisions without any stress. The answer is YOU building your personal brand so that you can control your own destiny and DO IT YOUR WAY!

Building a personal brand is no longer optional—it is absolutely essential! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or someone looking to make an impact, your brand is the foundation of your success!

In my latest podcast episode, I am going to show you the four reasons WHY you MUST build a personal brand to control your own destiny and DO IT YOUR WAY! But before I do, I want to share a quick story with you why I created a personal brand.

I was a young mom working 12 hour days feeling like I was missing out on my kids’ lives.  I was desperate to find a new way when my son was born 12 weeks early which flipped my world upside down. After being in the NICU for 77 days we finally went home and I knew there was no way I could go back to that corporate job. There wasn't a boss in the world that would let me off work every other day to take him to the doctor. I knew it was time to control my own destiny.

After 10 years working in television, I decided to become an entrepreneur so I could create time freedom by launching a niche website for moms in the Tulsa area called 918moms.com. 

I don’t know what your why is today, but I know you want time freedom, financial freedom and to control your own destiny! 

Check out the four ways a personal brand will do THAT for you on the latest episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast!

Your health should be your number one priority. If you do not have your health, you cannot enjoy your wealth! Your business is absolutely affected by how you feel. The healthier and more dedicated to wellness you are, the better you will perform and an leader. Every year at the beginning of the year, I reflect on my wellness and health goals for the next year. The older I get the more important it is to maintain a life of wellness. I came up with five wellness tips that I will be implementing into 2025 as daily goals. I encourage you to come up with your wellness goals that you will achieve this year. Not everyone’s goals should be the same as they need to meet you where you are at. However, I promise you if you implement these five wellness tips your life will be changed!

What will your goals be?

Here’s to a happy healthy 2025.

Jill Donovan’s journey from lawyer to founder of the iconic bracelet brand Rustic Cuff is nothing short of extraordinary. For years, Jill wrestled with finding her true passion, hoping her mentor, Oprah Winfrey, might guide her to clarity. But her full-circle moment came in an unexpected way, sparking the creation of a brand that’s touched countless lives. In this episode, Jill shares her inspiring story, from the challenges of stepping away from a legal career to the life-changing decision to follow her heart and start something new.

She opens up about the pivotal moments that led to Rustic Cuff’s success, the lessons she’s learned as a business owner, and the joy of creating something that brings people together. Whether you’re chasing a dream or looking for inspiration to take that leap, Jill’s story is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how she turned uncertainty into her greatest triumph.

In this inspiring episode of the Do It My Way Podcast, I sit down with Tulsa television icon LeAnne Taylor, beloved morning news anchor on News on 6. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and deep commitment to her community, LeAnne shares her journey from the newsroom to becoming a powerful advocate for women.

She opens up about her fight against breast cancer, how it shaped her perspective on life, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From balancing a demanding career to making a lasting impact in Tulsa, LeAnne is the embodiment of grace, resilience, and strength.

Tune in to hear her incredible story, her advice for women navigating challenges, and how she continues to make a difference in the community.

I used to fill up my days with meetings and then anytime there happened to be "down time" I would work on personal development, strategic plans, or maybe hit a yoga class. It wasn't very productive and I would find myself never getting to those "extra" things because a fire would be happening with a client or a team member that needed my attention in that down time.

It wasn't until I started to schedule EVERYTHING that I started to feel accomplished and my days became productive. Whether it was my 5am workout or when I was going to meal prep or scheduling time to learn about the ever changing marketing industry, I had it all in my calendar. At the end of every week, I would look at the priorities for the next week and schedule it out. 

As CEOs and entrepreneurs we often get caught up in playing defense with our schedule putting out fires as soon as they come vs. strategically planning our days. This creates chaos and important things never get finished.

If you find yourself doing the same, check out the latest DO IT MY WAY Podcast episode "The Power of Proactive Scheduling" to get a game plan started this week!

How do you plan out your days to be the most productive?

Lisa Riley shares her incredible journey from refinery manager to owning three Pinot’s Palette franchises in Tulsa. Known for her authenticity and fearless drive, Lisa talks about embracing a major career pivot, the surprises of running an art studio, and learning to prioritize family and health. She opens up about how cancer reshaped her priorities, the power of trusting her team, and how she now starts every day with gratitude. Tune in for Lisa’s down-to-earth advice on passion, resilience, and finding joy in the little things!

I had the honor of judging the Oklahoma State Homecoming Court last week. There were 30 candidates (15 for Queen, 15 for King) and they did a speed dating round for us to get to know the candidates. Each student had two minutes to share a little about themselves and talk about their biggest accomplishment while at OSU and we quickly judged them on appearance, communication, confidence, eye contact and enthusiasm for all things OSU.

The students were all so bright but several really stood out because they had perfected their two minute "elevator pitch." It got me thinking about the CEOs and entrepreneurs I work with and how important it is to be able to articulate exactly who you are, the problem you are solving for your ideal client, your X-Factor and a call to action in two minutes or less. People don't have the time or the patience to listen to a long pitch. Be concise. Deliver with enthusiasm. Share with them the next step in working with you.

Don't miss the latest episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast where I share all of the important things you need to include in your pitch.

Something I have struggled with over the years is progress over perfection. If it doesn't feel "perfect" I don't like putting it out there whether it's on my social media or on a podcast episode.

I had a goal to write a book by the time I was 50 and guess what? I'm 51 and my book is launching in a couple of weeks. I struggled getting it out on time because I wanted it to be perfect. Guess what would have happened if I waited until I thought it was perfect? I would have never launched it!

Perfectionism often holds back female CEOs and entrepreneurs. We are too worried what we look like, what other people will say vs. thinking of the person on the other side that you are helping.

So, if you have a project you have been holding onto until it's perfect, it's time to get it out into the world! Someone needs what you have to succeed!

Don't miss the latest episode of the  DO IT MY WAY Podcast,  Progress Over Perfection!

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kathy Taylor, former mayor of Tulsa, successful businesswoman, and a relentless advocate for community growth. From leading a city to empowering future female entrepreneurs, Kathy's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We explore her diverse career, her dedication to lifelong learning, and her drive to break down barriers for women in business. Kathy shares powerful lessons from her time as mayor and business leader, offering invaluable advice to women seeking to make their mark. Whether you're just starting out or looking for the motivation to keep going, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to take bold steps in your own journey.

As I was driving home this past weekend, I noticed there were phonebooks placed at every mailbox in my neighborhood. I had to laugh as I thought to myself, "Is there really still a phonebook?" and better yet, "Are people really still advertising in the phonebook?"

Sure enough, it was a full blown phonebook with ads throughout. I took it to work because all of the advertisers in it are GREAT candidates to be educated on the power of digital marketing. And, honestly I would love to hire the salesperson who was able to get all of those people to buy something everyone throws away! That's one heck of a seller!

That's what brought me to talk about today's episode which focuses on the power of digital marketing, tracking a lead and following up with your lead. If you are out there and aren't sure how digital marketing works, I would love to set up a free consultation with you.

Just go to D2Branding.com and click on Get a Quote!

In the meantime, check out the latest episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast!

I had an amazing conversation with Hannah Arnaud, owner of The Scout Guide - Tulsa. Hannah’s path has taken her from a corporate office, to the classroom, and to a nonprofit before becoming an entrepreneur. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to become a business owner and the community she’s passionately built around it—all while raising three young children under the age of four. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, balance, and the power of community.

Balancing work and family life can be challenging for working moms. 

In this episode, I sat down with LaTonya Pratt, leader of the nonprofit "In Tulsa," which connects job seekers to opportunities. LaTonya shares her journey from aspiring to be the next Oprah to becoming a leader in HR and a champion for women. She discusses her role as a mom, wife, and career woman, fashion influencer, and the importance of finding your superpower. Tune in to hear about her faith, fashion journey, and advice for job seekers. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, authenticity, and empowering others!

I was reminded of why it is so important to give more than you receive yesterday when I got a call from an attorney out of L.A. that I talked to back in 2020. He saw something I posted on LinkedIn when we were in the thick of Covid and things weren't looking so good for business owners. I felt helpless myself, but decided that I had knowledge that others could learn from in a time where people really needed it. I started posting marketing tips and ways to market without spending money to help those that put a hold on their marketing because they were trying to keep paying their team. This meant I was giving advice on ways for my own clients to quit and try to do it on their own.

Courtney Bullard is a dynamic speaker, accomplished author, and dedicated mentor with a passion for making a difference. As a mother and wife, she balances her personal and professional life with grace and determination. Courtney is also the visionary behind The Pearl House, a life-changing nonprofit organization that empowers teenage girls in Ghana, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. In this episode, she shares how her personal brand and unwavering positivity have helped her fulfill her calling, inspiring others to find and follow their own paths to making a positive impact in the world.

We all face adversity from time to time and it can be a real downer! It has taken me some time, but I have learned to turn my adversity into motivation!

My 19-year-old son, Jace, is an intern at D2 Branding this summer and he had his friend come with him one day. They are fresh out of high school and learning how a digital marketing agency works. At the end of the day, his friend said to me, "You mean you don't do any of the work?" It made me laugh because he thought I was a genius creating websites, running TikTok accounts, doing photography, graphic design, digital ads and video production. I had to share with him that I don't do any of that, but I have an amazing team that are experts in each area that do the work. I am not sure if he thought I was stupid or a genius at that point, but it made me think about business owners out there that are trying to do it all. You will never scale and grow if you are the one doing the work!

I did all of the work in the beginning and I quickly realized that I could only have a handful of clients because I was exhausted working 12 hour days. I knew I couldn't sustain that for long, so I started hiring a great team that could execute way better than I ever could! 

Find out why leaders should avoid doing work and how D2 Branding has been able to scale on the latest episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast!

I recently hired a sales rep and we spent a day cold calling local businesses, which is walking in without having an appointment or knowing who to talk to. It reminded me that you can never stop cold calling! Remember people have to get to know you, like you and trust you to buy. You have to start somewhere! We talked to 15 different business owners and had at least five that acted interested and wanted more information. Sales is a numbers game! The more you call on, the more you close.

Tulsa-based digital creator, Teresa Forehand, started her career as a physician’s assistant and loved her job until she had a baby and realized her priorities were changing. She began sharing her workouts online and documenting her journey while growing a large following on Instagram. She eventually left her PA job, and now is a mom of three little ones and a full-time digital creator known for creating “20-minute meals.” She shares how she navigates being a full-time working mom, overcoming adversity when her husband suffered a severe brain injury, and how she built an online community of over 150k loyal, raving fans. Her story is inspiring and shows us how you can do it all and be successful too!

Someone asks you to speak as an expert in your industry but you would rather die than get in front of a group. I know you are probably thinking no, but the next time you get asked, you need to say YES! It is a great way to get your personal brand out there and be seen as the expert in your industry. You can also get sales leads added to your list.

I understand your hesitation, the first time I got asked to speak, I didn’t realize how hard it would be until I tried it. I have spent years in sales, so I thought it was going to be easy for me like a sales call, but I was wrong!

It’s just like anything else, practice makes perfect! On this episode of the DO IT MY WAY Podcast, I share the most important steps you can take to prepare for a speaking engagement.

The first thing you need to do is know your audience! Who is in the crowd? What is the biggest problem you can solve for them? Are they potential clients? Potential referrals? What value can you add to their life so they see you as the expert in your industry?

Find out the other steps by listening now!

We took the DO IT MY WAY Podcast on the road to my alma mater, Oklahoma State University, to chat with the university’s first female President, Dr. Kayse Shrum! She started as a pediatrician, became Dean of the medical school at OSU, and now is the President! Not to mention a wife and mother to SIX KIDS! She has set an incredible example for young girls and showed them that they can do anything they set their mind to. I am so excited for you to hear her amazing story! 

Find out why a personal brand can be the X Factor that separates you from your competition! All you need is your skills, experience and personality to create a personal brand that will elevate your business!

Tina Parkhill is a community leader who has been recognized for her amazing contributions in community service and business. She’s been recognized as ‘Woman of Distinction’ and ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ and ‘Fastest Growing Company,’ just to name a few. Tina shares with us her story of leaving the corporate world to become an entrepreneur, while prioritizing serving the Tulsa community along the way. Find out why she thinks networking is critical to becoming successful!

Shea Roach is the Co-Founder of Freeform, a global marketing automation company for people to get the most out of their digital marketing efforts. They developed their own software, Profithack that is known as the Quickbooks of marketing.

Shea has worked with celebrity clients like Odell Beckham Jr., Duck Dynasty, and ESPN. She worked in corporate america for years then became an entrepreneur launching Freeform. Her latest project is developing the Ten District in Jenks. Shea shares her advice about the mindset you should have if you’re looking to become an entrepreneur and her plans to grow the city of Jenks.

Tulsa entrepreneur, Teresa Knox, wears many hats. Teresa shares how she started her career as a dental assistant, then went on to teach others, specifically women, about the career and started Community Care College. She explains how she grew the college, opened two more, and now owns some of the most iconic spots in Tulsa, like the Church Studio and Harwelden Mansion. Teresa has a passion for Tulsa and preserving its rich history. Hear Teresa talk about the risks she’s taken in her many business endeavors and the advice she has for entrepreneurs.

Kay Koziol is one of the healthiest 50-year-olds you will ever meet, but she wasn’t always that way. She was a former CEO who put so much time into her work that she neglected her health. Before she knew it, she was 80 pounds overweight and disgusted with herself. 

Breaking away from her corporate role, she decided to take control of her health and joined Burn Boot Camp where she says she was the fattest girl in the room. She didn’t let that stop her as she had an extreme commitment to change, lost over 80 pounds, and ended up becoming a Burn Boot Camp franchise owner who now owns three thriving Burn Boot Camp locations in Oklahoma!

Join me as I dive deep into Kay's journey, exploring how she not only navigates her businesses but also cultivates a healthy mindset in both the gym and the kitchen. Get ready to be inspired by Kay's resilience, determination, and the unique perspective she brings to achieving health and business success. 

A third-generation Tulsan, Paula Marshall has served as CEO of Tulsa-based international food manufacturer, Bama Companies, Inc. since 1990. Paula has served, started or partnered with numerous organizations and causes in the Tulsa area, including Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Area United Way, the Margaret Hudson Program, DVIS, Food On The Move and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Paula has also been recognized for several awards and recognitions, including being inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, Advocate of the Year for DVIS, The Journal Record’s Woman of The Year, and being named one of the 25 Tulsans Who Shaped Our City by Tulsa People Magazine in 2011, and most recently, becoming a 2021 inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Listen to Paula explain how she deconstructed systems in place at Bama Companies and created a family environment to support her team members and partners.

Tulsa native, Teresa Gawey, left her corporate job and did not know the direction her career path was going in. She graduated college with a journalism degree, worked in the corporate world, then pivoted to get her master’s degree in social work and worked as an executive director at local nonprofit, Tulsa Area United Way. 

After having a premature baby, her life flipped upside down and she decided to become a stay at home mom. After more than a decade of raising her kids, she found a need for yoga in the Tulsa community. She took a risk and opened SALT Yoga. Her studio is all about inclusivity and fun while moving your body, at any level. 

Listen to Teresa share invaluable insights to other aspiring entrepreneurs and what it’s really like to be a business owner. 

I had too much fun interviewing lifestyle photographer, Amy Herndon, on the DO IT MY WAY Podcast this week! Amy explains how she started her business at the perfect time when her style was rare and Instagram was just becoming popular. She shares how to stay relevant in industries that are constantly evolving. Find out how Amy went from stay at home mom to sought after lifestyle photographer flying all over the country capturing her client's most precious moments.

Sometimes it's hard to look at the good life when things are crumbling around you, but mindset is everything! 

Mia Fleming is a highly accomplished and captivating TV host, known for her magnetic personality, infectious energy, and strong journalistic background. At the height of her career, Mia had a paralyzing realization that success doesn’t always equal fulfillment.  She left her successful career, committed to letting go of limiting beliefs, prepared to face her fears, and got out of her comfort zone. Mia came face to face with adversity from infertility to related health ailments which led to years of debilitating pain. Yet, she continually reminded herself to look for the good in life, and she began to find it again. 

At the height of the pandemic, she decided to create TV segments called the “GOOD Life List” -- a play on bucket lists, but instead they are about living life to the fullest and sharing good life lessons by daring herself to take different adventures and inspiring viewers to live their lives to the fullest. The TV segments are a part of her Hello GOOD Life with Mia! brand which exists to provide people with the tools, community, content, and inspiration needed to live their own good lives. Find out how Mia used a positive mindset when she was facing adversity to launch Hello Good Life with Mia Fleming, which goes on tour across America this fall.

I can’t believe I am on my 100th podcast! What a fun learning experience with ups and downs. I originally wanted to write a book, but realized I am a much better talker than I am a writer, so I shifted my focus to launching a podcast. I have several coaching clients that I have helped launch podcasts so I also thought I better practice what I preach and launch one myself! I get asked a lot of questions about my podcast so I just answer a few of the most common questions for you:

Is my podcast perfect? HECK NO!

Did it take me out of my comfort zone? YES! 

Did it help me learn and grow? YES!

Has my podcast made me a ton of money? NO!

Has it helped brand me as an expert in marketing and business? YES!

Does it provide great advice to business owners and anyone wanting to master marketing? HECK YES!

Is it easy? Some days YES, some days NO!

Since this is my 100th episode, I thought I would do a podcast about what I have learned over the last 100 episodes. If you are thinking of launching a podcast, listen up!