Send us Fan MailIs LinkedIn really for entrepreneurs—or is it still mostly a corporate platform?According to LinkedIn consultant Mary Wu, LinkedIn in 2026 is simply networking: humans connecting with humans on a business level.In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie talks with Mary about the winding career path that eventually led her to become known as “the LinkedIn person,” even before she was ready to claim it herself.They talk about choosing your “one thing,” leveraging relationships you've already built, taking your network with you when your career changes, and some simple ways to make your LinkedIn profile work harder for you.Most importantly, Mary reminds us that LinkedIn doesn't have to feel complicated, corporate, or impersonal. It's about people.What You'll LearnWhy LinkedIn is valuable for entrepreneurs, not just corporate professionalsHow Mary became known for LinkedIn before intentionally choosing it as her specialtyWhy focusing on one area made her business simplerHow to bring your existing network along when your career or business changesWhy connections who aren't potential clients can still be incredibly valuableHow your LinkedIn headline can help people remember what you doWhy you should check how your profile looks on both desktop and mobileActionable TipsTell people what you're doing now. Your former colleagues and connections may not be your ideal clients, but they may know exactly who needs you. Don't abandon the network you've already built when your career changes.Use your headline strategically. The words following your name travel with you when you comment on other people's content. Make those first words memorable instead of relying on a generic title like Founder or CEO.Check your Featured section on mobile. Three items may appear on desktop, but only one leads on mobile. Make sure the first thing people see is the thing you most want them to see.Memorable Quote“You can't do anything well if you're not all in.” — Mary WuBOLD Moment of the EpisodeMary didn't start out planning to become a LinkedIn consultant.After owning a franchise, working as a personal assistant, returning to school, and taking a school district job for the benefits, she reached a point where she needed more control over her schedule.Mary decided to go all in on working for herself as a Virtual Assistant. She eventually shifted into social media and noticed something interesting: whenever someone needed LinkedIn help, people kept pointing to Mary.Then a coach asked her one simple question:“What's your one thing?”Mary already knew the answer everyone else had been giving her: LinkedIn.Claiming that specialty gave her a clear lane and allowed her to become deeply knowledgeable about one platform instead of trying to be everything to everyone.About Mary WuMary Wu is an independent LinkedIn consultant who helps small business owners stop guessing and start growing on the platform that actually gets them clients.Named one of John Espirian's “LinkedIn Experts to Follow,” Mary breaks down the “algamabob” into strategies real people can actually use—no jargon, no fluff.Off the platform, she's probably curating the perfect connection for someone, thinking in song lyrics, or hanging out with her plushie collection.Connect with MaryWebsite: https://marywuva.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryawuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryawu/One Final BOLD ReminderLinkedIn doesn't require you to sound corporate or become someone you're not.As Mary says:“Don't be afraid of being on LinkedIn, and don't be afraid of being yourself because everybody else is already taken.”Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast and what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could be making more of their LinkedIn connections.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailWhat if the success of an event isn't determined by the food, décor, agenda, or perfectly executed logistics—but by how people feel when they're there?In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie talks with Master Event Design Consultant, Speaker, and bestselling Author Marinda Freeman about designing experiences with intention.With more than four decades in events, including serving as Executive Director of Martha Stewart Catering, Marinda has learned that every gathering—from coffee with a friend to a conference with thousands—is an opportunity to create connection and community.Tracie and Marinda explore the “energy bubble” we create when people gather, why welcome and ease matter more than ever, and how event professionals can intentionally create experiences that help people reconnect.What You'll LearnWhy every event should begin with intention, not logisticsHow the energy of the people creating an event affects the guest experienceWhy no person or role at an event is unimportantHow to create an atmosphere of welcome, ease, and connectionWhy connection is especially important as people relearn how to gatherHow Marinda's 15 event principles can apply to creating almost anything in lifeWhy clarity and non-attachment can work togetherActionable TipsDecide what you want people to feel. Before planning what will happen at your event, consider the experience you want to create. Your intention influences everything that follows.Remember that everyone matters. From your guests to your volunteers, vendors, speakers, and staff, appreciation creates a ripple effect throughout the entire experience.Create connection intentionally. People may need more help feeling comfortable gathering and connecting than they once did. Build welcome and ease into the experience rather than assuming connection will happen on its own.Memorable Quote“Every event is about creating connection and community, and isn't that why we gather?” — Marinda FreemanBOLD Moment of the EpisodeYears into her event career, Marinda was driving across the Golden Gate Bridge on her way to produce an event for thousands of people when she asked herself:What if I could produce events from a more spiritual standpoint?That question changed how she approached her work.Marinda began exploring the universal principles underneath successful events, starting with the belief that there is no unimportant person or part to the whole. She intentionally focused on making everyone involved feel appreciated and discovered that the energy spread throughout the entire event.Those ideas ultimately became the foundation of the principles she now teaches through her speaking, consulting, and book.About Marinda FreemanMarinda Freeman is a Master Event Design Consultant, Speaker, and bestselling Author with more than four decades of experience designing conferences, festivals, fundraisers, product launches, corporate meetings, community events, weddings, and more.Drawing on her experience as Executive Director of Martha Stewart Catering and nearly three decades as a licensed Spiritual Counselor, Marinda combines strategic planning with a deep understanding of hospitality, human behavior, and guest experience.She is the author of Everything Is an Event: A Step-by-Step Guide Creating Memorable Occasions for Today’s Lifestyle with 15 Principles Revealed.Today, Marinda helps organizations, businesses, and event professionals move beyond managing logistics to intentionally designing experiences that foster connection, community, and meaningful outcomes.Connect with MarindaWebsite: https://marindafreeman.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinda.freemanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinda.freeman/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marindafreeman/Email: marinda@marindafreeman.comOne Final BOLD ReminderWhether you're creating a conference, a meeting, a dinner, or coffee with one other person, you're creating an experience.Start with intention.Ask how you want people to feel, how you can help them connect, and what you want to bring into the space yourself.Because everything is an event.Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast and what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who brings people together.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the business you've built no longer reflects who you're becoming?In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie talks with Camille Miller, founder of the Soul Professional Movement, about trusting your intuition, evolving your business, and having the courage to change something that's working when you know it's no longer right.Camille shares how a career in nonprofit leadership led her to recognize a community of professionals who were successful on the outside but weren't fully expressing their spiritual, holistic, or intuitive sides. That realization eventually became a global movement now reaching six continents and 51 countries.They also explore community versus celebrity culture, the growing importance of trust and relationships in business, and a powerful question for every entrepreneur entering a new level: Who do you need to become to lead what's next?What You'll LearnHow Camille turned one networking experience into a global communityWhy she moved her organization Online before the world required itHow to recognize when your business is drifting away from its original missionWhy Camille eliminated a successful paid membership modelThe difference between building around a founder and building a community that can thrive without herWhy trust, relationships, and strong ecosystems matter more than everHow your identity can create—or limit—your next level of business growthActionable TipsListen for mission creep. A successful offer or business model isn't necessarily the right one forever. Ask whether what you're doing today still serves the mission you originally set out to fulfill.Build something bigger than yourself. If community is the goal, look for ways to develop leaders, invite participation, and create something that doesn't require you to be at the center of everything.Look at who you need to become. When the strategy is sound but you're still hitting a ceiling, the next shift may be in your identity, beliefs, or willingness to play bigger.Memorable Quote“I can only see so many feet in front of me, and I don't know what's ahead. But I trust that the road is still there.” — Camille MillerBOLD Moment of the EpisodeCamille's BOLD decision was walking away from a business model that was working financially—but no longer felt aligned with her mission.By 2024, Soul Professional had become a successful paid membership organization with high-end masterminds, but Camille realized the organization had become too centered around her.So she took down the paywall, stepped away from being the person who taught everything, and cut off a significant source of revenue.The result? 2024 was her best business year, and 2025 became her worst.Still, Camille trusted that the next path would reveal itself. Today, Soul Professional is evolving toward a community-supported model with new leadership, ambassadors, sponsors, partnerships, and both Online and in-person connection.About Camille MillerCamille Miller is a transformational leader and Strategic Business Designer for Soul-Led Visionaries. She mentors midlife entrepreneurs to transform their wisdom and decades of experience into scalable, purpose-driven businesses that create impact and financial freedom without compromising their values.She is the founder of the Natural Life Business Partnership, a Soul Inspired Business School, a global Online Learning Academy, and the Soul Professional Movement. Camille is also the author of three bestselling books and host of the Soul Professional Podcast: Global Conversation Series.Connect with CamilleWebsite: https://www.soulprofessional.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camille.l.miller.mbaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillelmiller/Email: camille@soulprofessional.comSoul Professional Podcast: Global Conversation Series:https://www.soulprofessional.com/podcastOne Final BOLD ReminderYou don't have to have the entire next chapter figured out before you begin.Sometimes you simply know that what worked before isn't what you want anymore. Stay open, trust what you're learning about yourself, and give your next chapter room to emerge.As Camille says, “See what's possible.”Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast and what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to think differently about her own next chapter.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailWriting the book is only the beginning.In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie talks with publishing and marketing expert Keren Kilgore of Quantum Shift Media about how authors can think much bigger about what happens before, during, and AFTER they publish.Keren sees three distinct phases in a book's life: writing, publishing, and marketing. Her goal is to connect those pieces so a book doesn't simply sit on a shelf—it becomes a platform that builds relationships, credibility, visibility, and opportunity.Tracie and Keren talk about writing from the reader's perspective, creating a “book ecosystem,” building opportunities for readers to experience more of you, and why a book launch should be much more than one big day.And if you already have a book that's been sitting on the shelf? Keren has a message for you, too: Your book isn't done yet.What You'll LearnThe three phases of a book: writing, publishing, and marketingHow to think about your reader's experience from the beginningWhy storytelling matters in nonfictionHow to create an ecosystem around your bookWhy your launch should be a strategic campaign, not a one-day eventHow an older book can be relaunched for a new audienceHow a book can become a long-term business and visibility assetActionable TipsThink about the reader before you write. Don't assume your audience already understands what has become second nature to you.Create a book ecosystem. Consider how readers can experience and connect with you throughout the book, rather than waiting until the final page.Don't treat launch day as the finish line. A launch is a strategic campaign, and your book can continue creating opportunities long after publication.Give an older book another life. Keren recommends considering a relaunch every 18 months to two years as your audience grows and changes.Memorable Quote“Your book has a huge lifespan.” — Keren KilgoreBOLD Moment of the EpisodeKeren's BOLD decision started with changing the name of her company.She realized she'd outgrown Lightning Tree Creative Media and renamed the business Quantum Shift Media because she saw herself creating quantum shifts for her clients.Something unexpected happened: she had to grow into the name.Her vision became bigger, new ideas and people appeared, and the business expanded. Sometimes naming where you're going gives you permission to grow into what's next.About Keren KilgoreAt Quantum Shift Media, Keren Kilgore helps authors, coaches, speakers, and business owners write, publish, and market fiction and nonfiction books that align with their deepest truth and professional purpose—transforming them into powerful business assets that grow visibility, impact, and income.With over 25 years of experience in publishing, she guides clients through every phase of the process—from crafting a compelling manuscript to book design and a strategic launch that attracts clients, speaking engagements, and media attention.Her services include book coaching, professional book design, publishing, author branding, marketing campaigns, and her signature 90-Day Book Launch Blueprint.Connect with KerenWebsite: https://quantumshiftmedia.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keren.kilgoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantumshiftmedia/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerenkilgore/Email: Keren@QuantumShiftMedia.comQuantum Shift Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@QuantumShiftMedia/podcastsMentioned in This EpisodeThe Seven Hidden Traps That Sink Book Launches — Keren's resource about common launch mistakes and what authors can do differently.The Teen Identity Project — A collaborative publishing opportunity Keren is creating for teen authors.One Final BOLD ReminderIf you've already published a book, don't give up on it.And if there's a book that's been asking you to write it, don't give up on that either.Your book can have a much longer life than launch day.Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, The Gather Community, and what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who has a story or message the world needs to hear.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to move from surviving your life to becoming the person who decides what happens next?In this powerful episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Sabrina Victoria, founder of Her Nation Global, to talk about resilience, entrepreneurship, sales, money, community, and what it means to fully step into your own power.Sabrina shares the deeply personal journey that took her from losing her community as a young single mother, through years in an abusive relationship, to secretly building businesses, creating financial independence, and eventually leaving to build a life on her own terms. She is also candid about something we don't always hear in transformation stories: the change wasn't instantaneous. Getting out and rebuilding took years of fear, setbacks, determination, and small steps forward.From there, Sabrina and Tracie turn to business—and especially the ways women can become more confident about sales, money, numbers, and asking for what they want.It's an episode about becoming the champion of your own life and your business.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Sabrina began moving from a victim mindset to seeing herself as the victor of her own storyWhy transformation usually involves a messy transition period—not one dramatic momentHow Sabrina's years in door-to-door sales influence the way she teaches women entrepreneurs todayWhy women need both relationship-building and results-focused skills to grow thriving businessesHow to sell without feeling pushy, manipulative, or “salesy”Why getting comfortable talking about money and numbers mattersThe difference between being an “ostrich” and a “champion” when it comes to your business financesHow community, systems, sales, marketing, and support can help women move from surviving in business to thrivingActionable Tips from This EpisodeStop avoiding your numbers. Know what's coming in, what's going out, and whether your business is actually making money. Sabrina challenges women to become a champion of their numbers instead of an ostrich with their head in the sand.Practice saying the number. If saying your price makes you uncomfortable, Sabrina suggests getting more comfortable using numbers, statistics, percentages, and prices in everyday business conversations.Don't be afraid to sell. You can be transparent about making an offer rather than hiding it inside a complicated sales tactic.Let conversations be conversations. Sales can be an honest dialogue about what someone needs, what you provide, and whether the two are a fit.Take the next best step. You don't have to solve everything today. Identify the next move available to you and make it.Memorable Quote“If you don't wanna be a creepy salesman, then don't be creepy.” — Sabrina VictoriaAnd one that beautifully sums up the episode:“Take the next best step.” — Sabrina VictoriaBOLD Moment of the EpisodeSabrina's BOLD story isn't really one moment—it's a series of decisions to reclaim control over her life.After years in a controlling relationship where virtually everything belonged to her partner, Sabrina began secretly creating her own financial independence. She opened a bank account, started online businesses, saved money, found and furnished a home, and eventually left with her son.Even then, fear didn't disappear.Sabrina talks openly about how difficult the transition was and how long it took before she truly felt safe and stable. Her story is a reminder that being BOLD doesn't mean making one fearless leap. Sometimes it's continuing to make the next courageous decision even while you're still afraid.About Sabrina VictoriaSabrina Victoria is the powerhouse behind Her Nation Global, a bold business ecosystem built for women entrepreneurs who are ready to be seen, heard, and paid. Known for transforming chaos into clarity and turning vision into action, Sabrina’s story is one of grit, evolution, and unshakable leadership.Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Sabrina overcame early challenges including single motherhood and surviving a 13-year narcissistic relationship. Her turning point came in 2008 when she discovered the world of personal development and never looked back.What began as a healing journey quickly turned into a movement. She launched her first YouTube channel and blog, Pure Aspirations, in 2012, followed by a string of online ventures and even her first Airbnb. But the fire really ignited in 2018 when she founded Nation of Diamonds, which evolved into Her Version, and ultimately became the powerful, multi-platform brand known today as Her Nation Global.Now, Her Nation Global includes The Her Talk Show Podcast, featuring over 800 influential women; Her Nation Magazine, a digital spotlight for female leaders; and House of Velani, a dynamic membership community offering masterminds, sales workshops, and high-level networking for ambitious businesswomen.Certified in NLP and life coaching and deeply rooted in leadership, Sabrina is a passionate speaker and mentor. Her mission is to help women step fully into their power, own their story, and build a brand and business that demands respect.Whether she’s on stage, behind a mic, or in the DMs with a client, Sabrina Victoria is redefining what it means to lead as a woman—and she’s just getting started.Connect with Sabrina VictoriaWebsite: https://www.sabrinavictoria.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealsabrinavictoria/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealsabrinavictoria/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinavictoria/Email: 365@sabrinavictoria.comListen to Her Talk Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@hertalkshowLearn More About Her Nation GlobalSabrina describes Her Nation Global as an ecosystem with both media and community components designed to help women build thriving businesses.Her work includes Her Talk Show, Her Nation Magazine, and House of Velani, where women come together for masterminds, networking, business workshops, and sales training.One Final BOLD ReminderSabrina's final message is simple:Everything is going to be okay.When business or life feels overwhelming, remember the difficult things you've already survived. Then, instead of trying to figure out the entire road ahead, take the next best step.Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, learn about The Gather Community, and discover what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If Sabrina's story inspired you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman who needs to hear it. Every listen and share helps us bring more BOLD and brilliant conversations to more women.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailRise Above the Noise: Build an Unmistakable Brand with Taylor BooneYour brand doesn't need more noise. It needs more clarity.In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Brand Strategy Advisor and The Brand Alchemist™ Taylor Boone to talk about what really makes a brand stand out—and why beautiful visuals, more content, and even the latest AI tools can't fix a confusing message.After 25 years as a commercial photographer, director, and producer, Taylor made the bold decision to step out from behind the camera and focus on what she'd been seeing all along: the strongest visuals in the world can't save a weak or confusing brand.Taylor and Tracie dig into finding the who behind your ideal client, creating a magnetic message, using storytelling to build trust, and navigating AI without allowing it to strip the humanity out of your brand.Because in an increasingly noisy world, Taylor believes the brands that win won't necessarily be the loudest. They'll be the clearest—and the most human.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy great photography, design, and marketing can't fix an unclear brandHow to go beyond demographics to identify the person you truly serveWhy a clear message creates a stronger “signal” for your ideal clientsHow storytelling helps build connection and trustWhy AI should support your brand voice rather than replace itHow to give AI the human context it needs to create better contentWhy being perfectly polished can actually hurt your credibilityHow clarity can help you confidently charge for the value you provideActionable Tips from This EpisodeGo deeper than demographics. “Women over 40” is a category, not a who. Keep asking what your ideal person is experiencing until you reach the specific problem you can speak directly to.Get clear before investing in aesthetics. Your logo, photos, videos, website, and colors should amplify an already-clear brand—not try to create clarity for you.Train your AI on YOU. Give it your point of view, audience, voice, tone, story, and the feeling you want your brand to create before asking it to generate content.Use AI as a tool, not the solution. Let it help you organize, brainstorm, and work more efficiently without handing over the human connection that makes your brand yours.Choose clarity over cleverness. You don't have to follow every trend or create more content. Know who you're talking to, what they need, and why your work matters.Memorable Quote“There's not a video or a photo that can save confusion.” — Taylor BooneAnd one more worth remembering:“AI is not the threat. Weak branding is.” — Taylor BooneBOLD Moment of the EpisodeTaylor had spent decades behind the camera when a former photography client came back wanting to hire her again.This time, Taylor said no.She told the client that photos and videos weren't going to solve the real problem. Instead, she offered to work with her as a brand advisor to fix the messaging, positioning, and overall brand first.The client immediately said yes.That bold decision became part of Taylor's leap from a 25-year career behind the camera into the work she'd realized she was meant to do—helping business owners find the clarity and message that makes their work visible.About Taylor BooneTaylor Boone is a Brand Strategy Advisor, author, and the voice behind The Brand Alchemist™. After 25 years of building her own company through visual storytelling, Taylor now guides entrepreneurs, experts, and purpose-driven leaders to clarify their message, strengthen their signal, and build brands with weight, trust, and authority.Her work sits at the intersection of brand strategy, intuition, psychology, storytelling, aesthetic intelligence, and AI. She is known for cutting through brand confusion and finding the message that moves people.Taylor's approach is rooted in one core belief: a weak message makes powerful work invisible.In a noisy market, more content is not the answer. Clearer positioning is. Stronger language is. A brand voice people can feel, trust, and buy from is.Through The Brand Alchemist™, Taylor teaches entrepreneurs how to define who they serve, sharpen what they say, and build brands that rise above the noise. Her work is especially focused on the new era of AI, where unclear brands will only become louder, faster, and easier to ignore.Taylor believes clarity is currency. Her mission is to guide thousands of entrepreneurs to own their voice, build unmistakable brands, create meaningful wealth, and use their work to make a deeper impact in the world.Connect with Taylor BooneWebsite: http://taylorboone.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1331123942458790Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1taylorboone/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorboone/Email: 1taylorboone@gmail.comSpecial Offer for BOLD and Brilliant ListenersTaylor's Brand Alchemist Course is an eight-module program covering everything from your brand's who, what, and why to fonts, colors, communication, video, photography, and AI.Listeners of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast can use code BOLD to receive $50 off the course.Taylor is also including one year in The Brand Lab, her live weekly space where participants can bring their branding questions, ideas, and work for feedback and support.Visit Taylor's website for details.One Final BOLD ReminderTaylor leaves us with a message every entrepreneur with an idea needs to hear:Believe in yourself enough to get the idea out of your head and in front of you.If you're passionate about creating something that can serve people, don't let fear—or not knowing every step—keep you from beginning. There are people who can help you along the way.Connect with TracieFind more episodes of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, learn about The Gather Community, and discover what's coming next:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode gave you something to think about, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or fellow entrepreneur. Every listen and share helps us bring these conversations to more women who are ready to live, lead, and build more boldly.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan MailBuild a Business That Honors Your Values: Creating Human-First Success with Becky MollenkampWhat if the traditional rules of business aren't rules you have to follow?In this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with feminist business coach Becky Mollenkamp for a thoughtful conversation about questioning the expectations we've inherited—in life and in business—and intentionally choosing something different.Becky shares how the death of her brother became a catalyst for examining a life that looked successful on paper but didn't feel fulfilling. That process eventually led her to question not only her own choices, but also the traditional business practices that reward urgency, scarcity, hierarchy, and growth at all costs.Tracie and Becky also explore what it means to build a human-first business, the difference between equality and equity, and why entrepreneurs need to continually reassess their messaging, offers, and assumptions so they're serving the people in front of them—not the customer who existed three years ago.It's a conversation about values, awareness, adaptability, and creating businesses that offer both hope and possibility.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow to recognize when you're following someone else's definition of successWhat it means to bring a feminist, human-first approach to businessWhy equity and equality aren't the same thingHow privilege and lived experience can affect the way we lead and serveWhy your offers, pricing, and messaging need to evolve with your customersHow listening—not assuming—can help you better understand what your clients need right nowActionable Tips from This EpisodeAudit your messaging. Look at what you're currently sharing and ask whether it speaks to what your clients are actually experiencing today.Listen before you solve. Invite clients or potential clients into a conversation and ask what's keeping them up at night, what they're worried about, and what they're talking about with friends.Reassess your offers. Instead of automatically discounting, consider whether different formats, shorter commitments, or new containers might better meet people where they are.Review before you publish. If you created content months ago, take another look before it goes live to make sure it still fits the current moment.Memorable Quote“How does my offer offer hope and promise or change that speaks to what's happening right now in the world?” — Becky MollenkampBOLD Moment of the EpisodeAfter her brother died of a heroin overdose in 2010, Becky began questioning the life she'd built—the career, marriage, home, money, and accomplishments that looked great from the outside but didn't make her happy.She began asking herself a powerful question: Am I choosing this because I truly want it, or because I've been taught it's what I'm supposed to do?That willingness to question the “good girl” rules she'd followed became the beginning of a much larger transformation in both her life and her work.About Becky MollenkampBecky Mollenkamp is a feminist business coach for service-based entrepreneurs who want to build human-first businesses that honor collective flourishing over profit-at-all-costs growth. After spending nearly 20 years in journalism and content marketing for corporate clients, Becky realized that traditional business advice often rewards urgency, scarcity, and hierarchy.She now helps founders unlearn the white-supremacist, capitalist patriarchal rules they were handed, so they can build work that doesn't require self-abandonment.She is the founder of the Feminist Podcasters Collective, and co-founder of Feminist Founders and the Messy Liberation Coaches Circle. Her new book, Liberate Your Business (April 2026), offers a roadmap for moving from extractive “empire building” to sustainable, collective legacy.Connect with Becky MollenkampWebsite: https://beckymollenkamp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckymollenkamp/Podcast: Messy Liberationhttps://messyliberation.com/Email: becky@beckymollenkamp.comMentioned in This Episode📚 Liberate Your Business by Becky MollenkampBecky describes the book as a guide for entrepreneurs who want to examine everything from leadership and hiring to marketing and messaging through a more human-first lens.📚 Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. ButlerBecky's recommendation for exploring hope, community, and caring for one another even during difficult times.Connect with TracieFind The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, The Gather Community, upcoming events, and more:https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you:Subscribe so you don't miss what's nextLeave a review to help more women discover the showShare this episode with someone who would appreciate the conversationSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Finding Quiet in the Noise: Healing Burnout and Reconnecting with Yourself with SuperKateEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with the delightful and deeply insightful SuperKate—a somatic life coach, world-renowned hugger, and former "Do-It-All-I'll-Sleep-Later" woman—for a conversation that so many high-achieving women need to hear. Together, they explore burnout, nervous system regulation, body awareness, and the importance of creating space in a world that constantly encourages us to do more. Through humor, honesty, and profound wisdom, SuperKate reminds us that there is nothing wrong with us—and that perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to simply be. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why burnout can follow us, even after changing careers or lifestyles  The difference between exercising your body and listening to your body  How creating small moments of space can transform your life  Why your worth is not determined by your productivity Actionable Tips from This Episode Experiment with moments of quiet without filling them with more information  Notice where you may be overriding the signals your body is sending you  Practice doing one thing at a time instead of constant multitasking  Give yourself permission to simply exist without needing to solve everything Memorable Quote"Nothing is wrong with you. You are worthy whether you are active or not." Bold Moment of the EpisodeAfter experiencing burnout in the entertainment industry and then again as an entrepreneur, SuperKate made the courageous decision to stop trying to outwork exhaustion. Instead, she chose a different path—one focused on nervous system regulation, creating space, and reconnecting with herself. That shift changed everything and ultimately became the foundation of the work she now shares with women around the world. About SuperKateSuperKate is a world-renowned hugger, somatic life coach, and former Do-It-All-I'll-Sleep-Later who spent years telling herself she was fine, until it was impossible to pretend anymore.She now helps ambitious, overwhelmed women make the small shifts to find their quiet space inside of the noise so they feel better and enjoy life again. She's also the host of Connecting with SuperKate, a weekly podcast for the “I'm fine” women who are exhausted from holding it all together but who still believe it CAN be better.Connect with SuperKate Website: https://thesuperkate.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superkate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_superkate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/superkate/ Podcast: Connecting with SuperKatehttps://rss.com/podcasts/connecting-with-superkate/Join The Gather CommunityIf you're ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you: Subscribe so you don't miss what's next  Share it with a friend or colleague  Leave a review—it helps more women find usJoin us for the BOLD New Year Summit in The Gather Community! Wednesday and Thursday, February 11th and 12th, 2026 - from 9am to 1pm PT each day.Grab your free ticket (or feel free to upgrade!) at https://www.thegather.community/bold-new-yearSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Being BOLD in a Quiet WayEpisode SummaryIn this heartfelt mini-episode, Tracie Root explores a different perspective on courage. So often, we associate boldness with big personalities, dramatic decisions, and fearless action. But what if some of the most courageous things we do happen quietly?Drawing from her own experiences of loss, reinvention, entrepreneurship, and community-building, Tracie shares why courage doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. This episode is a reminder that thoughtful leaders, gentle souls, and quiet women can live incredibly bold and brilliant lives—one small courageous step at a time.What You'll Learn in This Episode Why courage doesn't require fearlessness  How quiet leaders often create extraordinary impact  The everyday moments that require tremendous courage  Why community helps us take the next brave step Actionable Tips from This Episode Stop comparing your version of courage to someone else's  Celebrate the small acts of bravery in your own life  Lean on supportive women when you need encouragement  Trust that one small next step is enough Memorable Quote"You don't have to become someone else to live a bold and brilliant life."Bold Moment of the EpisodeLooking back, Tracie realized that her biggest transformations weren't dramatic or flashy. Leaving corporate, rebuilding after loss, creating The Gather Community, hosting retreats, and launching the podcast weren't born from fearlessness. They were built through hundreds of quiet decisions—small acts of courage that, over time, created a bold and brilliant life.About Tracie RootTracie Root is a speaker, coach, author, and fierce advocate for women’s connection and growth. As the founder of The Gather Community and host of The Bold and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie creates spaces where women entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her bold leadership and commitment to authentic connection have built a nationwide movement of women taking decisive action in life and business—together. Tracie’s work transforms isolation into inspiration and community into unstoppable momentum.Connect with Tracie Root Links & Resources: https://www.tracieroot.com/links The Gather Community: https://www.thegather.community Become a VIP Member: https://www.thegather.community/membershipJoin The Gather CommunityIf you're ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you: Subscribe so you don't miss what's next  Share it with a friend who needs this reminder  Leave a review—it helps more women find usSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Stop People-Pleasing and Start Choosing Yourself with Anna HanaelEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Anna Hanael—speaker, healer, certified hypnotherapist, and pattern-breaking expert—for a powerful conversation about self-trust, people-pleasing, intuition, and personal transformation. Anna shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Communist Poland, where conformity and performance were expected, to building a life and business dedicated to helping others reconnect with their true selves. Through stories of resilience, healing, and bold reinvention, Anna reminds us that we are not meant to abandon ourselves in order to belong—we are meant to choose ourselves first.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow people-pleasing and overachievement often begin in childhoodWhy intuition is a powerful guide for life and business decisionsThe role of hypnotherapy and energy work in creating lasting transformationHow learning to trust yourself changes everythingActionable Tips from This EpisodePay attention to where you may be abandoning your own needs to please othersCreate moments of stillness to reconnect with your inner guidanceTake action before you feel completely ready—confidence follows actionMemorable Quote“Ready is not a feeling.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeAt just 26 years old, Anna made a life-changing decision: she sold her successful business, left her home country of Poland, and moved across the ocean to the United States for love. What followed was a challenging period of isolation, emotional abuse, and self-discovery that ultimately led her to reconnect with her intuition, embrace healing work, and step into the calling she now shares with others. That courageous leap became the foundation for the transformational work she does today.About Anna HanaelAnna Hanael is a speaker, mentor, coach, healer, certified hypnotherapist, and pattern-breaking expert who helps empaths, intuitives, and entrepreneurs stop people-pleasing, trust themselves, and choose themselves first.Anna works with clients who are challenged by overgiving, self-sabotage, and people-pleasing patterns that create stress, anxiety, lack of self-trust, and toxic relationship dynamics. Many of her clients have already tried therapy, coaching, mindset work, or self-help, yet still feel stuck, blocked, or unable to move forward on their own.Through her unique blend of hypnotherapy, energy healing, subconscious reprogramming, and spiritual guidance, Anna helps clients heal at the root level. With over 25 years of experience in energy work and 14 years as a hypnotherapist, she empowers people to build self-worth, confidence, clear communication, and the courage to live and lead from their true power.Connect with Anna HanaelWebsite: www.annahanael.comFree Masterclass: How to Stop Putting Yourself Last and Start Saying No Without Guilthttps://annahanael.com/masterclass/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.hanael/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annahanaelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-hanael-55a086122/Join The Gather CommunityIf you’re ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you:Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s nextShare it with a friend or colleagueLeave a review—it helps more women find usJoin us for the BOLD New Year Summit in The Gather Community! Wednesday and Thursday, February 11th and 12th, 2026 - from 9am to 1pm PT each day.Grab your free ticket (or feel free to upgrade!) at https://www.thegather.community/bold-new-yearSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Brilliant Doesn’t Mean Burnt OutEpisode SummaryIn this solo episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie Root shares an honest and deeply relatable conversation about burnout, ambition, boundaries, and redefining success. Drawing from her own experiences as a high-achieving Gen X woman, entrepreneur, and community leader, Tracie explores the pressure many women feel to constantly prove themselves through productivity and exhaustion. This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is possible—and that rest, support, and alignment are not weaknesses, but wisdom.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy many women have been conditioned to equate busyness with valueThe hidden signs of burnout that often go unnoticedHow rest and space actually support creativity, clarity, and leadershipWhy sustainable success requires boundaries, support, and self-awarenessActionable Tips from This EpisodePause and ask yourself whether exhaustion has become your “normal”Create small moments of rest and recovery before reaching burnoutRedefine success in a way that supports your wellbeing—not just productivityMemorable Quote“Brilliant women deserve sustainable success too.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeOne of the boldest shifts Tracie shares in this episode is her decision to stop glorifying burnout and start building success differently. After years of pushing through stress, responsibility, and survival mode, she realized that constant pressure wasn’t creating more fulfillment—it was disconnecting her from herself. Choosing rest, boundaries, and aligned growth became a radical act of leadership and self-trust.About Tracie RootTracie Root is a speaker, coach, author, and fierce advocate for women’s connection and growth. As the founder of The Gather Community and host of The Bold and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie creates spaces where women entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her bold leadership and commitment to authentic connection have built a nationwide movement of women taking decisive action in life and business—together. Tracie’s work transforms isolation into inspiration and community into unstoppable momentum.Connect with Tracie RootLinks & Resources: https://www.tracieroot.com/linksThe Gather Community: https://www.thegather.communityBecome a VIP Member: https://www.thegather.community/membershipJoin The Gather CommunityIf you’re ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you:Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s nextShare it with another woman who needs this reminderLeave a review—it helps more women find usSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Actualizing Your Best Self: Healing, Growth & Bold Reinvention with Elizabeth OrmesEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with psychotherapist and entrepreneur Elizabeth Ormes for a deeply honest conversation about healing, resilience, identity, and the courage to reinvent yourself. After nearly 30 years working in mental health systems—including the Department of Veterans Affairs, foster care, and domestic violence services—Elizabeth made the bold leap into entrepreneurship to create a more aligned and authentic way of serving others. Together, Tracie and Elizabeth explore mindset, neurodivergence, community, personal growth, and what it really means to evolve into your next chapter.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy healing and resilience begin with mindset and self-beliefThe difference between surviving and truly actualizing your best selfHow entrepreneurship often requires identity shifts and personal evolutionWhy community and connection are essential for growth and healingActionable Tips from This EpisodeStay curious instead of rigid when life or business begins to shiftNotice where you may be holding onto outdated expectations or identitiesSeek spaces and communities where you feel seen, supported, and alignedMemorable Quote“If it feels heavy, you’re probably doing something wrong.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeAfter decades working within large agencies and systems, Elizabeth made the bold decision to leave the security and structure of traditional employment to launch her own private practice. What began as a leap toward autonomy quickly became an even bigger transformation—opening the door to coaching, community-building, workshops, and a more expansive vision of how she could serve others.About Elizabeth OrmesElizabeth Ormes, MA, LCPC, is a psychotherapist and the founder of Actualizing Your Best Self, PLLC. With nearly 30 years of experience in the mental health field, Elizabeth specializes in helping individuals—particularly women—navigate complex trauma, life transitions, neurodivergence, and identity shifts.Her background includes work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, foster care systems, domestic violence organizations, and nonprofit agencies, giving her a deep understanding of resilience and human growth. Elizabeth is a Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) and a Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.As a neurodivergent professional herself, Elizabeth brings both clinical expertise and lived experience into her work, blending evidence-based practices with authentic, compassionate support. In 2026, she is expanding her work into coaching programs specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals seeking aligned growth, deeper relationships, and authentic self-understanding.Connect with Elizabeth OrmesPsychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1466154Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/actualizing-your-best-self-pllc-112610909791Substack: https://elizabethactualizingyourbestself.substack.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethaybsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579176296723Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actualizingyourbestselfLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethormesaybsJoin The Gather CommunityIf you’re ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/podcastLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you:Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s nextShare it with a friend or colleagueLeave a review—it helps more women find usJoin us for the BOLD New Year Summit in The Gather Community! Wednesday and Thursday, February 11th and 12th, 2026 - from 9am to 1pm PT each day.Grab your free ticket (or feel free to upgrade!) at https://www.thegather.community/bold-new-yearSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Reclaiming Your Voice & Showing Up Authentically with Elaine WilliamsEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with longtime friend and community member Elaine Williams—video performance coach, speaker, comedian, and bestselling author—for a deeply honest conversation about confidence, visibility, healing, and reclaiming your voice. Elaine shares how her background in theater, stand-up comedy, and personal transformation shaped the work she now does helping women entrepreneurs become more authentic, engaging, and powerful on camera and on stage. This episode is a reminder that you do not need to be perfect to make an impact—you simply need the courage to show up as yourself.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy confidence is really about creating safety within yourselfHow humor and authenticity help people connect more deeply with your messageThe hidden ways women shrink themselves—and how to reclaim your voiceWhy community and personal growth are essential to visibility and leadershipActionable Tips from This EpisodeStop waiting to feel “fully ready” before showing up publiclyPractice speaking and visibility in small, safe environments firstFocus less on perfection and more on authentic connectionMemorable Quote“People relate to your humanity, not your perfection.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeOne of Elaine’s boldest decisions was finally leaving the toxic restaurant environment she had spent 15 years in—even without knowing exactly what was next. Despite fear, uncertainty, and the loss of stability, she trusted herself enough to step fully into her work as a speaker, coach, and performer. That leap created the space for her to build a business centered around authenticity, creativity, and helping others reclaim their voices.About Elaine WilliamsElaine Williams is a video performance coach, keynote speaker, speaker coach, bestselling author, podcast host, and comedian with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs build confidence and captivating presence on camera and in public speaking. She supports women in sharing their message with authenticity, ease, humor, and impact.Some of Elaine’s credits include Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, HBO, ABC, NBC, FOX, The New York Times, Hay House Radio, and The Huffington Post. Her clients have gone from never doing video or speaking live to creating YouTube channels, speaking for NASA, and leading international book tours.Connect with Elaine WilliamsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineWilliamsCaptivate/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainewilliamsfun/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/captivatethecrowd/Podcast: Captivate the MicSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Get Speaking Gigs Now: Turning Your Voice Into Clients with Leisa ReidEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Leisa Reid—speaker, author, and founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now™—to talk about how public speaking can become one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. From her early days in communication and higher education to building a thriving speaking business and community, Leisa shares how she turned her natural love of teaching into a scalable client acquisition strategy. This conversation is a refreshing look at speaking not just as a stage—but as a pathway to connection, confidence, and consistent growth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why speaking is one of the most effective ways to attract aligned clients  The difference between speaking for fees vs. speaking for business growth  How community makes getting booked easier (and more fun)  Why your path into speaking doesn’t have to be perfect to get started Actionable Tips from This Episode Start thinking of your speaking as teaching—it makes it more natural and approachable  Build relationships with other speakers to create referral opportunities  Focus on getting your talk “ready to rock” and getting it in front of real audiences Memorable Quote“It doesn’t end with having a talk… you actually have to go give the talk.” Bold Moment of the EpisodeLeisa’s bold decision came when she finally said yes to what others had been seeing in her all along. After multiple attempts in different directions, she embraced speaking as her true path—quickly building her business, booking engagements, and creating a thriving community of speakers. That moment of clarity—choosing to fully step into her expertise—changed everything.About Leisa ReidDo you want to capitalize on the power of public speaking to market your business, but aren't sure what to talk about, where to go to find gigs, or how to offer your services from stage? As the Founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now™, Leisa mentors business owners who want to use speaking as a strategic client acquisition strategy.Clients who work closely with her build their speaking skills and confidence through the Speaker's Training Academy. They get their “Talks Ready to Rock,” and learn how to STAY booked as speakers through easy-to-implement strategies.As a speaker herself, Leisa has successfully booked and delivered over 600 speaking engagements. She is the CEO of The International Speaker Network™, a community of heart-centered speakers who value collaboration, relationships, results, and fun.In her book, Get Speaking Gigs Now™, she shares her 7 Step System to Getting Booked, Staying Booked & Attracting Your Ideal Clients Through Speaking.Connect with Leisa Reid Website: https://GetSpeakingGigsNow.com Free Resource: https://GetSpeakingGigsNow.Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Get Seen, Trusted, and Paid: Stepping Into Your Expert Authority with Christine BlosdaleEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Christine Blosdale—The Expert Authority Coach™—to talk about what it really takes to get seen, trusted, and paid for what you already know. With a background in media, broadcasting, and personal branding, Christine shares how her career evolved from interviewing celebrities and thought leaders to helping women step fully into their expertise. This conversation is equal parts practical and empowering, reminding you that your voice, your story, and your authenticity are the foundation of your success.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy you are your brand (and why that matters more than logos or colors)The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when starting their businessHow clarity in your message directly impacts your ability to get paidThe three core pillars that drive connection: health, wealth, and loveActionable Tips from This EpisodeGet clear on who you help and what you offer—confusion blocks connectionMake it easy for people to work with you (booking, payment, next steps)Start showing up authentically—your real life builds real trustMemorable Quote“Your brand is you… your energy, your imprint, your vibe.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeChristine’s bold move wasn’t a sudden leap—it was a strategic transition. While still working in broadcast journalism, she began building her coaching business on nights and weekends, refining her message and framework before stepping fully into entrepreneurship. That intentional bridge between stability and vision allowed her to create a business rooted in clarity, confidence, and long-term success.About Christine BlosdaleChristine Blosdale, also known as The Expert Authority Coach™, is a five-time #1 bestselling author, award-winning media personality, and the host of The Expert Authority Coach Podcast. With over 25 years of experience in personal branding and magnetic marketing, Christine has helped countless entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and thought leaders get seen, trusted, and paid for what they already know.A former content creator for powerhouses like America Online and Microsoft, Christine brings her signature blend of media savvy and marketing magic to everything she does. Her coaching style is simple, easy, fun—and most importantly, effective. Her mission is simple: to help you get seen, trusted, and paid as the go-to expert in your space.Christine has also produced The Roseanne Barr Radio Show and has interviewed notable figures including Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, John Travolta, Ed Asner, Dr. Judith Orloff, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai.Connect with Christine BlosdaleWebsite: https://www.ExpertAuthorityCoach.comFree Expert Authority Evaluation: Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ From Identity to Impact: Choosing Yourself with Urmi HossainEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Urmi Hossain—author, speaker, finance professional, and advocate for women’s empowerment—to explore the powerful journey of identity, belonging, and self-leadership. From growing up as a third-culture woman in Italy to building a life and career in Canada, Urmi shares how navigating multiple cultures shaped her resilience, confidence, and voice. This conversation is a reminder that your story—every part of it—is not a limitation, but your greatest strength.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat it really means to “belong” and why it starts within yourselfHow embracing your identity can become your greatest advantageThe power of making bold decisions—even when the path is unknownHow to balance structure and creativity in both career and passionActionable Tips from This EpisodeReframe your lived experiences as strengths, not setbacksInvest in yourself regularly—through learning, reflection, and self-carePut yourself in new environments that challenge and expand youMemorable Quote“Sometimes you have to create that space where you belong… within yourself.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeUrmi’s bold decision to leave Italy and move to Canada—without knowing the culture, language, or what to expect—was a defining turning point in her life. Navigating education and career in her third and fourth languages, she built confidence, resilience, and a global perspective that continues to shape her work today. That leap into the unknown didn’t just change her environment—it transformed who she became.About Urmi HossainUrmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designations and works in the financial services industry, while using her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership. Her first book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third-culture woman navigating questions of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Through her writing, Urmi encourages honest conversations around identity, representation, and choosing yourself in a world that often asks women to shrink or conform.Urmi is the host of Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and stories on identity, migration, language, and what “home” truly means. Her work centers on helping individuals—especially women—embrace their lived experiences as strengths rather than limitations. Passionate about leadership development and community building, Urmi serves as the Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter and is an active public speaker and Toastmasters leader.Connect with Urmi HossainWebsite / Links: Support the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Welcome to Season Two: Your Business, Your RulesEpisode SummaryWelcome to Season Two of The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast! In this solo episode, Tracie Root sets the tone for the year ahead with a powerful reminder: your business gets to be built your way. Inspired by a real conversation inside The Gather Community, she explores what happens when we let go of “shoulds,” stop chasing trends, and start creating from alignment. This episode is an invitation to simplify, find ease, and redefine success on your own terms.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “your business, your rules” is more than a mindset—it’s a decisionHow “shoulds” quietly create pressure and disconnect in your businessThe difference between following trends vs. building from alignmentHow to design your business around your real life (not the other way around)Actionable Tips from This EpisodeIdentify one “should” in your business and consciously release itReevaluate any templates or strategies that don’t feel alignedChoose one way to bring more ease into your business this weekMemorable Quote“It doesn’t have to be anything… it’s your business, your rules.”Bold Moment of the EpisodeThis entire episode is a bold declaration: you don’t have to follow anyone else’s blueprint. The moment Tracie reframes success as something self-defined—built around ease, alignment, and real life—is the turning point. It’s a reminder that choosing your own way isn’t risky… it’s the most powerful move you can make.About Tracie Root (solo episode)Tracie Root is a speaker, coach, author, and fierce advocate for women’s connection and growth. As the founder of The Gather Community and host of The Bold and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie creates spaces where women entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her bold leadership and commitment to authentic connection have built a nationwide movement of women taking decisive action in life and business—together. Tracie’s work transforms isolation into inspiration and community into unstoppable momentum.Join The Gather CommunityIf you’re ready to take your next bold step, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their businesses through connection, collaboration, and courageous action.🔗 https://www.tracieroot.com/linksLove the Podcast?If this episode inspired you:Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s nextShare it with a friend or colleagueLeave a review—it helps more women find usSupport the showThank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:As we close out Season One of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, host Tracie Root reflects on a year of courageous conversations, bold decisions, and real stories from real women. With 30 episodes released in 2025, this season became a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins when women choose themselves and take the next right step—often before they feel fully ready.In this solo finale episode, Tracie shares the heart behind launching the podcast, the lessons woven through every guest conversation, and what’s ahead for Season Two in 2026—with more intention, clarity, and connection.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why clarity comes after action, not beforeHow boldness often means choosing yourself quietly and honestlyThe role community plays in lasting, meaningful change🛠️ Actionable Tips from Tracie Root:Reflect on your own right next step—what decision is asking for your courage?Revisit or binge an episode and notice what resonates differently now🎤 Memorable Quote:“Clarity comes after action.”🔥 Bold Moment of the Episode:Honoring the completion of 30 episodes in a brand-new podcast’s first season—and the commitment it took to keep showing up, even when life was full and timing felt imperfect.🚀 Join the Bold and Brilliant Podcast Community:Growth doesn’t happen alone. Come connect inside The Gather Community, where women leaders and entrepreneurs are supported in business, relationships, and bold next chapters. New events and connections begin again in January.🌟 Rate & Review:If this season inspired or supported you, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Bold and Brilliant Podcast. Your feedback helps these stories reach more women who are ready for their next bold move.Here’s to brilliant women, bold decisions, and an intentional 2026 💫 Season Two is coming soon.Thank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, host Tracie Root sits down with Jen Vertanen, Chief of Staff at a health-tech startup and founder of We The Unruly. Jen shares the bold, vulnerable decision that reshaped her life, her marriage, and her relationship with herself.Through an honest conversation about identity, healing, leadership, and community, Jen reveals how doing the inner work—not just the strategic work—created the clarity, confidence, and impact she lives and leads with today. This episode is a masterclass in courage, self-trust, and choosing alignment over performance.If you’ve ever questioned your path, your choices, or who you’re becoming… this episode will remind you that bold decisions don’t always look flashy—but they do change everything.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why admitting you’re wrong can be one of the most courageous leadership moves you’ll ever makeHow identity work fuels clarity, confidence, and sustainable successThe role community plays in healing, growth, and bold reinventionWhy “finding your way” matters more than following someone else’s formulaHow vulnerability strengthens relationships—in life and in business🛠️ Actionable Tips from Jen Vertanen:Create intentional “mirrors” in your life—people who can reflect truth back to you when self-doubt shows upStop outsourcing your answers and start building trust in your own inner wisdomGive yourself permission to evolve without a deadline—identity work is ongoingChoose environments (work, community, relationships) that support who you’re becomingLead with depth, not performance—real impact comes from authenticity🎤 Memorable Quote:"Find your mirrors and use them—so you can remember who the hell you are."🔥 Bold Moment of the Episode:Jen shares the moment she realized she was about to make a life-altering mistake—and chose radical honesty and vulnerability instead. Admitting she was wrong became the turning point that led to healing, deeper connection, and a decade of intentional identity work.📱 Connect with Jen Vertanen:We The Unruly Community & Movement: (links in show notes)Instagram: @jenv_wetheunrulyWebsite: wetheunruly.com🚀 Join the Bold and Brilliant Podcast Community:If this episode sparked something in you, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to take bold action, build meaningful connections, and grow into their next chapter together.👉 Learn more at thegather.community🌟 Rate & Review:Loved this episode? Your review helps more bold, brilliant women find the podcast!⭐ Rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform—and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that their bold moment might be closer than they think.Thank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root

Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary: What does it take to uproot your life, step into the unknown, and create a thriving global community of women entrepreneurs? In this episode of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie sits down with Elle Ballard—founder of the Women of the World Network, abundance mentor, author, speaker, and advocate for authentic living. Elle shares her bold journey from Kazakhstan to the United States, building businesses, launching communities, and embracing her true calling with her latest work, Free, Fulfilled, and Fabulous. Get ready for a conversation about courage, intuition, and embodied learning that will inspire you to move toward your own brilliance.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Elle turned bold decisions into stepping stones for her entrepreneurial journeyWhy the Women of the World Network is transforming the way women connect across culturesThe power of embodied learning and how dance can unlock clarity and creativityHow to integrate abundance, authenticity, and joy into both business and lifeThe importance of listening to your body and intuition to make aligned choices🛠️ Actionable Tips from Elle Ballard:Pay attention to moments of stillness—your best insights often arise there.Let your body guide you; movement can unlock wisdom your mind alone cannot.Surround yourself with a supportive, diverse community for growth and accountability.Say yes to opportunities that feel aligned, even if they’re bold and scary.🎤 Memorable Quote: "Sometimes we forget how bold we were. That’s why it’s so important to pause, remember, and keep leading with boldness." – Elle Ballard🔥 Bold Moment of the Episode: Elle shares the defining moment when her corporate company was sold and instead of returning to “safe,” she took the leap to launch her own business and ultimately create Women of the World Network—a bold decision that reshaped her life and the lives of women globally.📱 Connect with Elle Ballard: Website: www.elleballard.com Women of the World Network: www.womenoftheworldnetwork.com🚀 Join the Bold and Brilliant Podcast Community: Step into bold action and connect with other brilliant women inside The Gather Community.🌟 Rate & Review: If Elle’s story inspired you, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us share more bold and brilliant conversations with women worldwide!Thank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root