What if burnout, people-pleasing, and hyper-independence were not badges of honor—but signs it’s time for a reset? In this powerful Founder Series episode, I sit down with Jasmine Spink, coach and founder of Empowered Living, to talk about: Leaving a toxic work environment and finding purpose again Healing the “performance-based” identity so many of us carry The emotional highs and lows of building something soul-led Systems that supported her early growth (including pen + paper!) Navigating imposter syndrome with grace and grit ✨ Jasmine’s story is a reminder that you can build a business rooted in purpose without burning out. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform:→ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Podbean(Search “Let’s Start a Business – Megan McDonell”) 💥 Special Listener Gift from JasmineHer new 6-module course “The Silent Cost of Success” helps you heal burnout and find clarity in your next chapter — and she’s offering it FREE to podcast listeners! 🗓 Launches July 1st🎁 Use code letsstartabusiness at checkout👉 https://empoweredliving.blog/pre-save 📬 Let’s connect!For business tips, systems strategy, and behind-the-scenes founder insights:👉 LinkedIn.com/in/megefficiencyedge

In this Founder Series episode of Let’s Start a Business, business strategist and systems expert Megan McDonell interviews Shivam Maurya — the developer and entrepreneur behind PWM (Programming With Maurya), explainGitHub, RepoFlicks, and The Production Gurus. Shivam shares his journey from running free Python classes on Google Meet during the pandemic to launching multiple tech platforms that support developers and AI enthusiasts around the world. His story is a masterclass in bootstrapping, building in public, and launching before you feel ready. In this episode, you’ll learn:✨ The founder mindset that helped him launch (and pivot) countless tech projects✨ The lessons he wishes he’d known back in 2020 when starting out✨ How he's helping software developers, product teams, and engineering leaders save time and ship faster with tools like: 🔹 ExplainGitHub – https://explaingithub.com 🔹 RepoFlicks – https://repoflicks.com 🔹 The Production Gurus – https://lnkd.in/eqQfsS4F We also dive into: How mentoring students led to real business opportunities His strategy for launching 12 platforms in 12 months Product development challenges, client partnerships, and navigating burnout The power of learning in public as a solo founder and product builder Whether you're an indie hacker, developer, tech founder, or aspiring entrepreneur — this episode is filled with practical insights on product-market fit, systems thinking, and scaling without burnout. 💬 Connect with Shivam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivam--maurya/🔗 Learn more about Megan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megefficiencyedge📅 Book a free systems strategy call: https://calendly.com/mcdonell-meganl/new-meeting Subscribe to Let’s Start a Business for honest founder stories, startup strategy, and tactical advice for growing your business with intention.

In this kickoff episode of the Founder Series, Megan sits down with Michael Gold to talk about how a spontaneous leap into freelancing became the foundation for building The Fractional Hub — a platform designed to help others redefine their careers through fractional work. 🎧 In this episode: Michael’s path from project manager to fractional founder The messy middle of building something real Posting through discomfort and growing in public How The Fractional Hub evolved from a course into a full-blown community Honest lessons about fear, momentum, and making work feel meaningful 💡 Want to start your own fractional career?Check out The Fractional Career Blueprint (affiliate links):▶️ Course Overview: https://www.thefractionalhub.com/a/2148068966/uw6Fp2Vr💳 Sign Up – Monthly: https://www.thefractionalhub.com/a/2148077964/uw6Fp2Vr💳 Sign Up – Annual: https://www.thefractionalhub.com/a/2148089940/uw6Fp2Vr 📍 Listen & Subscribe:Available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Podbean🔗 Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megefficiencyedge #FounderSeries #FractionalWork #PodcastLaunch #LetsStartABusiness #Entrepreneurship

Running your own business means wearing all the hats—from client work and relationship-building to handling admin, taxes, and social media. In this episode, I walk you through what a typical week looks like for me as a solo entrepreneur. You’ll hear how I plan my week on Sunday nights, how I stay consistent with outreach and social media content, and why networking is non-negotiable for me—especially while working remotely. Plus, you’ll get real talk on how I manage my time, keep my creativity up, and navigate the chaos (including my very active dogs!). In this episode, I cover: How I structure my week (Sunday planning through Friday wrap-ups) My Monday morning outreach and relationship-building process Social media habits I’m developing for consistency Staying connected as a remote solo entrepreneur Balancing strategy, systems, and the realities of running a business solo Whether you're a freelancer, coach, content creator, or small business owner, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look into the mindset and systems that keep things moving. 🔁 New episodes drop every Friday🐶 Warning: my dogs might make a guest appearance! — If this episode resonates, don’t forget to rate, review, and share with another entrepreneur. #SoloEntrepreneur #ProductivityTips #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurWorkflow #SmallBusinessOwner #TimeManagement #FreelancerLife #WorkFromHome #NetworkingTips

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of four unforgettable small businesses I visited in New Orleans — each one built on passion, purpose, and serious creativity. From handcrafted jewelry to eco-conscious shoes and retro fashion, these founders are shaping culture in the French Quarter. 🎧 Listen in if you’re building something of your own — or just love discovering unique, soulful spots run by bold entrepreneurs. ✨ Featured Businesses🥿 Head to Toe – Unique shoes + accessories📍 816 Decatur St | headtotoeno.com 💍 Beatrixbell Handcrafted – Sustainable jewelry & artist workshops📍 831 Chartres St | beatrixbell.com 👠 ShoeBeDo – Eco-conscious high fashion footwear📍 324 Chartres St | shoebedousa.com 👗 Trashy Diva – Retro-inspired clothing, modern twist📍 537 Royal St | trashydiva.com 🔗 Episode link in comments!💬 Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megefficiencyedge #LetsStartABusiness #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopLocal #WomenInBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneurs #FrenchQuarterNOLA #SoloEntrepreneurLife #SustainableStyle #MegEfficiencyEdge

Just got back from New Orleans—and let me tell you, that trip lit a fire in me. 🔥🎶✨ The music, the food, the art, the energy… it made me reflect on how much pressure we put on ourselves as solo entrepreneurs to do everything perfectly. But perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity and creativity are. 💡 In Episode 6 of Let’s Start a Business, I dive into: 🎯 Why I'm setting a scary-but-exciting new goal: my first public speaking engagement 📅 The importance of defining both short-term AND long-term goals 🛠️ What I’m building toward with my May 14th workshop 💬 How real conversations and travel can help clarify your direction If you’re building a business from scratch, feeling overwhelmed, or just trying to do it your way—this episode is for you. And if something resonates, I’d love to hear what goals you’re working toward this season. #LetsStartABusiness #SoloEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #AuthenticBranding #CreativeLeadership #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessTips #ApplePodcasts

Are you a solo entrepreneur trying to do it all yourself? In this episode of Let’s Start a Business, I break down some of the best free tools and resources that will help you organize your business, streamline your workflow, and find expert mentorship — even if you're on a tight budget. Whether you're a content creator, coach, freelancer, or small business owner, this guide will give you the practical tools to start and grow your business with clarity and confidence. ✅ Resources Mentioned: SCORE.org – Free business mentoring & templates SBDC – Local small business consulting WBC – Support for women entrepreneurs VBOC – Veteran-focused business resources MicroMentor.org – Find a free business mentor SBA Learning Platform – Free online courses CO by U.S. Chamber – Templates, articles & guides Google Drive – File organization & collaboration Otter.ai – AI transcription for meetings ChatGPT – Research, brainstorming, and writing help Canva – Graphic design for social & branding Figma – UI/UX and collaborative planning ClickUp – Project and task management All of these tools either have completely free tiers or free versions to help you get started without the overwhelm. 💼 Let’s Work Together:If you’re looking for help building systems or organizing your business, connect with me on LinkedIn:👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/megefficiencyedge/ 🗓️ New episodes every Friday. solo entrepreneur, free business tools, project management, small business resources, business mentor, SCORE, startup tips, business coaching, women in business, productivity for entrepreneurs, small biz systems

In this episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal with you. As a business strategist and project management expert, I help businesses optimize their processes and implement systems for growth. But building systems for my own business? That’s been a journey! I talk about:🔑 What I do for my clients and the services I offer🔑 The challenges I’m facing as a solo entrepreneur building my own systems🔑 What’s working for me and what isn’t as I streamline my business If you're also on the journey of getting your own systems in place, this episode is for you! Join me as I reflect on where I’m at and the lessons I’m learning along the way. Follow Me:🔗 LinkedIn: Megan McDonell – Business Strategist & Project Manager🎥 YouTube: MEG'S EFFICIENCY EDGE

🚀 Ever felt like you’re not good enough? Like you don’t belong in the space you’re trying to grow in? That’s imposter syndrome, and in this episode of Let’s Start a Business, I’m getting real about how it hit me hard this week. I’ll share how I pushed through self-doubt, what I’ve learned from collaborating with others, and the systems I use to stay organized while networking and building meaningful connections. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ How I dealt with imposter syndrome and got back on track✅ The biggest mistakes & lessons I’ve learned from collaborations✅ My process for reaching out and building trust with potential partners✅ How I keep track of collaborations with an easy-to-follow system 🎯 If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode is for you!✔ Learn how to silence self-doubt and take action✔ Build relationships based on trust and authenticity✔ Stay organized and track your networking efforts for growth 👉 Let’s Connect!💬 How do you handle imposter syndrome? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from collaborations? Drop me a message! 📩 Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megefficiencyedge/ 🔔 Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode! #ImposterSyndrome #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #CollaborationTips #SmallBusinessSuccess #NetworkingTips #Freelancer #LetsStartABusiness

Let’s Start a Business is your go-to podcast for real, unfiltered insights into building a business from the ground up. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, small business owner, or just thinking about taking the leap, this podcast is packed with actionable strategies, honest lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories. 🚀 What You’ll Get in Each Episode:✅ Practical business strategies to help you grow✅ Real talk on the challenges and wins of entrepreneurship✅ Productivity tips and systems to streamline your workflow✅ Inspiring interviews with fellow entrepreneurs Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. New episodes drop every Friday morning! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-start-a-business/id1801802691Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vdikb-183dc10 Let’s build something amazing—together!

Let’s Start a Business: My Journey to Building a Brand is your front-row seat to the ups and downs of starting a business from scratch. Hosted by me, Megan, this podcast documents my personal journey as I turn my entrepreneurial dreams into reality. From setting up systems and tackling roadblocks to celebrating the small wins, I’ll share the lessons I learn along the way. If you’re ready to dive into the real side of entrepreneurship, whether you’re just starting out or working through your own business hurdles, this podcast is for you. Let’s build something amazing—together!