This episode is a special one. A crossover between More Than Just Task Management and Building a Business: Grit & Grace. After months of hosting two separate shows, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand sit down together to share an exciting update: the two podcasts are merging! In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Anna and Jores reflect on: How Building a Business: Grit & Grace began as a passion project to spotlight everyday entrepreneurs doing extraordinary things. Why they’re consolidating their efforts to bring even more value and focus to one podcast. What’s next, including the new two-episode-per-week format featuring interviews with global business owners and practical conversations on leadership, systems, marketing, and growth. The behind-the-scenes lessons from partnerships, community building, and their upcoming launch of Newcomer Business in Canada. It’s a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at how two creators evolve, adapt, and align around one mission: to help people everywhere build businesses that matter with clarity, courage, and community. Tune in to hear the full story, the vision for the future, and how you can be part of it. And if you’ve been following More Than Just Task Management, make sure to subscribe to Building a Business: Grit & Grace. Your new home for inspiration, strategy, and real conversations about entrepreneurship: https://leficomp.podbean.com/

In the hustle culture of entrepreneurship, taking time off can feel like falling behind, but the opposite is true. Rest is one of the most powerful tools for creativity, clarity, and long-term growth. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand discuss the importance of taking time off as a business owner, not just week-long vacations, but small daily breaks that protect your energy, prevent burnout, and actually make you more productive. You’ll learn: Why constant work leads to cognitive fatigue and poor decision-making How short breaks can save hours of wasted effort The value of daily “closing rituals” to separate work and rest Why setting boundaries around weekends and off-days is non-negotiable How disconnecting from screens helps you reconnect with creativity and clarity Why your business thrives when you do If you’ve been caught in the cycle of doing more, this episode will remind you that rest is productive and essential to building a business that lasts. Want to build systems that give you freedom and balance? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, a community for entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

If you’ve noticed things have been a little quieter on the podcast lately, you’re not wrong. In this behind-the-scenes episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand open up about why they’ve shifted from daily episodes to a new weekly format and what that means for you as a listener. You’ll hear: Why juggling client work, partnerships, and a daily podcast wasn’t sustainable The lessons we learned from experimenting with a daily publishing schedule How our new partnership is shaping the future of the podcast and community What you can expect from our weekly episodes going forward Why fewer, more focused conversations will actually deliver more value How testing, adjusting, and adapting is part of building any successful business If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run a daily podcast alongside building a business, this candid conversation gives you a peek behind the curtain and sets the stage for what’s ahead. Want to be part of the growing conversation and get even more value? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, our community for entrepreneurs building smarter, more sustainable businesses: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

If you’re just starting your business, you’ve probably wondered: do I really need a full website, or can I get by with a landing page? And what’s the actual difference? In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand break down the purpose of each, when to use them, and why it’s not an either/or decision. They explain how websites help you build your brand and authority, while landing pages are designed for one thing: conversions. You’ll learn: The key differences between a landing page and a full website Why websites are about trust, content, and long-term growth How landing pages are built for single-purpose actions like sign-ups or sales When it makes sense to test offers on a landing page before building out a site Why established businesses need both and how to make sure each serves its purpose If you’ve been stuck debating which one to build, this episode will give you clarity on how to use both effectively to grow your business. Want feedback on your website or landing pages? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, our community for small and mid-sized business owners: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

Accountability is one of the cornerstones of a thriving business, but too many leaders confuse it with micromanagement. True accountability isn’t about monitoring hours or checking every task. It’s about clarity, results, and trust. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share how to build accountability into your business processes from day one, without falling into the trap of micromanaging . You’ll learn: Why accountability starts with hiring the right people The role of clear onboarding and defined expectations in creating ownership Why results, not time in a chair, are the true measure of accountability How to balance involvement early on with independence as people grow The importance of regular check-ins, reviews, and celebrating wins Why leading by example is the ultimate accountability tool If you’ve ever worried about being too hands-on or not hands-on enough, this episode will give you the framework to empower your team while still staying in control. Want to keep these conversations going? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, where small and mid-sized business owners connect, share, and grow together: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

Your business will never outgrow you. The habits you build today as a founder shape not just your personal growth, but the future of your company. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share the essential leadership habits every entrepreneur should start practicing now, whether you’re just starting out or already scaling. From self-care to focus and accountability, these simple but powerful practices will set you up for long-term success. You’ll learn: Why daily habits for your mind, body, and soul are the foundation of business success How a 90-minute focus session can transform your productivity Why leading by example is non-negotiable for building culture How to track personal KPIs just like you track business KPIs Why prevention, balance, and self-leadership are the building blocks of growth If you’ve ever wondered where to start as a leader, this episode will help you focus on the simple, repeatable habits that make the biggest difference over time. Want more support building habits and systems that make you a stronger leader? Join the free Visionary Founders Club: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

It’s Sunday, which means we’re previewing the topics we’ll be diving into this week on More Than Just Task Management. Here’s what’s ahead: Monday: Leadership habits you should build now for long-term success Tuesday: How to ensure accountability without micromanaging Wednesday: The difference between a landing page and a full website, and which one you need Thursday: How to handle team resistance to new hires, changes, or technology Friday: Processes you can automate from day one Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand also share why we focus on a wide range of people, process, and technology topics, so you get the right insight at the right time for your stage of business. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the episodes that matter most for your growth and take this Sunday to reset, recharge, and get ready for the week ahead.

Missed this week’s episodes? Here’s your chance to catch up. In this Saturday recap, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand highlight the biggest lessons from the past five episodes, pulling out insights every business owner needs: Here’s what we covered this week: Monday: How to spot and address quiet quitting and disengaged employees Tuesday: Do you really need a CRM in year one of your business? Wednesday: Retaining high performers when you can’t offer big raises Thursday: How to handle refunds, disputes, and difficult clients professionally Friday: The signs you’ve outgrown your current software Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling toward seven figures, these conversations will help you focus on the right priorities, avoid pitfalls, and grow with clarity. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode and use this recap to decide which topics to go back and catch in full.

No software is built to last forever. The tool that served you well when you started might now be slowing you down, costing you more, or creating extra work. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand break down the signs that your business has outgrown its current software and what to do about it. From workarounds to rising costs, they explain how to recognize when it’s time to move on and upgrade. You’ll learn: Why spending more time fixing than using software is a red flag How costs and “workarounds” signal it’s time to scale up Why unsupported or outdated tools put your business at risk The danger of piecemeal patches that turn systems into a “monstrosity” How to calculate the true cost of ownership when evaluating tools Why replacing software is painful but ultimately an investment in growth If you’ve been wondering whether your systems are still serving you or holding you back, this episode will give you the clarity to take the next step. Need expert eyes on your systems? Apply to work with us through Thrive360 Business Solutions. We open just two consulting spots each month: https://leficomp.com/thrive360-business-solutions/

Refund requests, disputes, and difficult clients aren’t “if” problems. They’re “when” problems. As your business grows, you’re guaranteed to face them. The question is: how do you deal with these situations in a way that protects your business and your sanity? In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share how to prepare for and navigate refunds, disputes, and tough clients without losing time, energy, or reputation. You’ll learn: Why clear contracts and agreements are your first line of defense How to walk clients through refund and dispute policies upfront Why prevention matters and how to spot “red flag” clients before they sign Creative ways to resolve disputes, from service credits to win-win solutions Why building processes and checklists saves stress when conflict arises How to protect your energy by firing clients who aren’t worth keeping If you’ve ever wondered how to handle these inevitable challenges with professionalism and confidence, this episode will give you the playbook. Want more examples of how to build the right systems and protect your business? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, our community for small and mid-sized business owners: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

As a small business owner, you may not always have the resources to compete with corporate salaries, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your best people. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share how to retain top talent even when money isn’t your main lever. From meaningful work to growth opportunities, they explain what truly motivates high performers and how to build a culture that keeps them engaged. You’ll learn: Why money is often fifth on the list of what A-players value most How to challenge and empower high performers so they stay motivated Why recognition, meaningful work, and growth opportunities matter more than salary Creative compensation alternatives like flexible schedules or extra training The risks of over-praising and how to prevent egos from getting in the way How to design win-win incentives that tie personal goals to business success If you’ve ever worried about losing your best people because you can’t match big paychecks, this episode will show you how to retain them with leadership, culture, and creativity. Want to continue the conversation and learn how other founders retain their best people? Join the free Visionary Founders Club: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems) can feel like a must-have, but do you actually need one in your first year of business? In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand explore whether new business owners should invest in a CRM right away or keep things simple with spreadsheets until the time is right. They share the pros and cons, common pitfalls, and why the answer depends on your stage of growth and goals. You’ll learn: Why most small businesses don’t use a CRM and still survive When a spreadsheet is enough vs. when you’ve outgrown it How CRMs help manage leads, customers, and even automate communication Why starting early can save headaches down the road Affordable CRM options for small businesses (Zoho, Pipedrive, Monday, Go High Level, and more) The importance of choosing tools that can grow with your business If you’ve been debating whether to invest in a CRM, this episode will give you the clarity you need to decide what’s best for your business right now. Want support choosing the right tools and systems for your stage of growth? Join the free Visionary Founders Club and connect with other entrepreneurs navigating the same decisions: https://leficomp.com/vfc  Or check our services: https://leficomp.com/services/

“Quiet quitting” isn’t new, but it’s one of the biggest threats to team performance. It happens when employees check out mentally and emotionally but still occupy a seat, often dragging down everyone around them. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand explain how to identify disengaged team members, understand the root causes, and put the right systems in place to prevent quiet quitting from spreading. You’ll learn: The difference between disengagement and full-blown quiet quitting The early warning signs like lack of enthusiasm, minimal effort, and withdrawal from team activities How quarterly reviews, scorecards, and KPIs help spot issues early Why personal struggles may look like disengagement and how to respond with empathy When to use performance improvement plans and when it’s time to let go Why prevention through strong systems and culture is the best cure If you’ve ever worried about quiet quitting in your business, this episode will give you the tools to spot it early and address it effectively. Want to keep these conversations going? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, a community where business owners connect, learn, and grow together: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

It’s Sunday, which means we’re giving you a preview of what’s coming up this week on More Than Just Task Management. Here’s what’s ahead: Monday: How to spot and address quiet quitting or disengaged team members Tuesday: Do you really need a CRM in year one of your business? If yes, which one? Wednesday: How to retain high performers when you can’t afford big raises Thursday: Handling refunds, disputes, and difficult clients professionally Friday: The signs that you’ve outgrown your current software Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand also take a moment to reflect on recent world events and remind listeners to step away, recharge, and focus on what’s within your control: your business, your values, and your community. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the episodes most relevant to your growth, and take this Sunday to rest, reset, and get ready for the week ahead.

Missed this week’s episodes? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this Saturday recap, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand revisit the highlights from the past five episodes and share the biggest takeaways for business owners looking to grow with clarity and confidence. Here’s what we covered this week: Monday: How to track leads and sales without complex software Tuesday: What to do when a key employee wants (or threatens) to leave Wednesday: Simple calendar hacks for solopreneurs (and beyond) Thursday: Reducing risk when your business relies on one key platform Friday: Should you hire family or friends in your business? Whether you’re in the early stages or scaling to seven figures, these conversations are packed with insights to help you focus on what matters most. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and if a topic hits home, go back and catch the full conversation.

In the early stages of business, it can be tempting to bring in family or friends to help, especially when resources are tight. But is it a smart move? In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand unpack the risks, challenges, and rare exceptions when it comes to hiring people you’re personally close to. From blurred boundaries to long-term resentment, they explain why this decision can often do more harm than good. You’ll learn: The difference between asking for support vs. formally hiring family or friends Why qualifications, attitude, and cultural fit matter more than relationships How blurred boundaries make managing and leading much harder The risks of resentment when family members see your profits up close Why using temps is often a safer short-term solution The rare situations where short-term help might work, with clear boundaries If you’ve ever considered hiring someone close to you, this episode will help you think it through carefully and likely save you from some painful lessons. Want expert guidance as you build your team the right way? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, the community where small and mid-sized business owners connect and grow together: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

What would happen if the one platform your business depends on (whether it’s for sales, delivery, or customer data) suddenly went down? For many small and mid-sized businesses, that scenario isn’t hypothetical. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share how to reduce risk and build resilience when your business relies heavily on a single platform. From disaster recovery planning to cybersecurity, they walk through practical ways to protect your operations and keep revenue flowing. You’ll learn: Why every business needs a contingency plan for location, people, and technology How to identify the bare minimum you need to stay operational during a crisis Why disaster recovery is more than just backup. It’s about restoration and continuity The hidden risks of over-reliance on “big platforms” like Facebook or Rogers How to assess your own risk tolerance and plan accordingly Why cybersecurity and human error are just as dangerous as natural disasters If your business would grind to a halt if one platform failed, this episode will help you think ahead, plan smart, and sleep better at night. Want more support in building systems and resilience into your business? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, our community for small and mid-sized business owners: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

When you’re running your business solo, your calendar can either be your best friend or your biggest enemy. The key is learning how to structure it so you can actually focus, get into the zone, and get real work done. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share simple but powerful calendar hacks to help solopreneurs stay productive without burning out. You’ll learn: Why batching tasks creates focus and reduces overwhelm How to block 90-minute “deep work” sessions that actually move the needle Why mornings (or your personal quiet hours) are often the best time for focus work How to minimize distractions by turning off notifications and batching emails Why productivity isn’t about doing more, but about doing the right things If your calendar feels like it’s running you instead of the other way around, this episode will help you take back control and finally use your time effectively. Want accountability and support as you grow your business? Join the free Visionary Founders Club, the community where small and mid-sized business owners connect, learn, and grow together: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

Few things strike fear in a business owner’s heart like a key employee saying, “I’m leaving”, or worse, threatening to. The way you handle it can make or break your culture, your team’s morale, and even your bottom line. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share how to approach this difficult situation with clarity and leadership. From spotting early warning signs to creating a culture where no one person is indispensable, they walk through strategies to protect your business and your team. You’ll learn: Why you should never be surprised when someone wants to leave and how to stay ahead of it What to do when an employee uses “threats” to negotiate (and why letting go may be the best option) How to design systems that prevent anyone from becoming irreplaceable Why quarterly check-ins and proactive conversations matter How to create win-win exits where everyone (your business, the team, and the employee) benefits If you’ve ever worried about what would happen if a key employee left, this episode will give you the mindset and systems to handle it with confidence. Join the free Visionary Founders Club, the community where business owners connect, learn, and grow together: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

When you’re just starting your business, it’s easy to think you need fancy software to manage sales and leads. The truth? You don’t. In this episode, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand share simple, practical ways to track your leads and sales without overcomplicating things or overspending on tools you don’t really need. You’ll learn: Why Stripe, PayPal, and other payment processors already give you key sales data How a simple Excel spreadsheet can be more powerful than you think What to keep in mind for data protection when using basic tools Why frameworks and processes matter more than software in the early stages How starting simple makes it easier to scale later If you’ve been overthinking systems or delaying sales because you don’t have the “right” tool yet, this episode will give you permission to start lean and keep it simple. Join our free Visionary Founders Club, the community for small and mid-sized business owners to connect, share, and grow together: https://leficomp.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/visionary-founders-club/home?invite=68be105822feb0ae2754525c