In this episode of the Present & Powerful Podcast, Lyndsey chats with Tricia Merchandani—founder of T Collective, a dynamic creative studio focused on digital marketing and brand storytelling.

Together, we explore what it really takes to show up, stand out, and sustain momentum in business. Tricia shares how pitching herself for opportunities opened new doors, what she’s learned building a collective of creative talent, and why effective messaging and emotional storytelling are non-negotiables in branding today.

Lyndsey and Tricia also dive into digital marketing trends, the rise (and fall) of social media engagement, and the long game of building brand awareness. Trisha speaks candidly about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, navigating business as an introvert, and the mindset shifts that have helped her thrive through each season of growth.

Whether you’re a solo founder, brand builder, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with powerful reminders that small steps compound—and storytelling is your superpower.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Trisha landed this podcast spot by pitching herself—proof that bold moves matter.
• Building a business means wearing many hats and embracing the learning curve.
• Email marketing is still one of the strongest tools for driving engagement.
• Social media engagement is declining—brands need deeper strategies.
• Creative collectives can offer flexibility and adaptability in client work.
• Paid campaigns are effective when paired with clear messaging.
• Storytelling is what creates emotional resonance and brand loyalty.
• Brands are defined by the people who experience them, not just the logos.
• Building awareness must come before expecting conversions.
• Introverts can thrive in networking by being intentional and values-driven.
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is a continuous act of grace.
• Pursuing your passion—quietly or boldly—is always worth it.
  
  

📍Tune in for:

• The origin story of Tea Collective and Trisha’s creative approach
• Real talk on building a flexible business model that works for life and family
• Fresh insights on where digital marketing is headed
• A soulful take on brand building, storytelling, and emotional connection
• Encouragement for introverted entrepreneurs and working moms
• Honest lessons from the messy middle of entrepreneurship

In this powerful and down-to-earth episode of the Present & Powerful Podcast, Lyndsey is joined by Jillian Murphy, a magnetic sales mentor and entrepreneur who went from corporate success to creating a thriving seven-figure business without a website.

Together, we dive deep into Jillian’s journey of identity, resilience, and reinvention after an unexpected job loss became the spark for building a business on her own terms. She shares how the power of real relationships, discipline, and a value-first mindset became the foundation of her success.

We also talk about integrity in sales, simplifying your offers, and why showing up consistently (even when it’s hard) is non-negotiable. This episode is a masterclass in selling with heart and staying committed to the bigger vision especially when no one’s watching.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your strategy, Jillian’s approach will remind you that connection, clarity, and consistency are your most powerful business tools.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Jillian’s business began after a pivotal moment, losing her job in corporate sales.
• Her first six figures came within six months by focusing on intentional, income-producing actions.
• Return on Relationships (ROR) is her guiding principle in both client retention and growth.
• You don’t need a fancy website to make sales, you need trust, messaging, and follow-through.
• Simplifying your offers leads to stronger results (and less burnout).
• Discipline in your personal life shows up in your business.
• Authenticity and consistency build a brand that lasts.
• Long-term success comes from giving value first and asking later.

📍Tune in for:

• The real story behind Jillian’s ‘rocket ship’ growth
• A refreshing perspective on selling through DMs
• Tangible tips on client retention, profitability, and offer clarity
• Why getting honest about your desires matters more than ever

Sales strategies that feel good and get results

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Present & Powerful Podcast, Lyndsey sits down with business bestie, Monica Fullerton — the unstoppable founder of Spousely, an online marketplace supporting military and first responder families.

Together, we go beyond the headlines to talk about what it really takes to grow a mission-driven business. From navigating burnout to hiring with heart, Monica opens up about the evolution of Spousely, her passion for building community, and how authenticity and storytelling have been her greatest business strategies.

We also talk about our friendship as founders, what it means to support each other through the highs and lows, and how surrounding yourself with people who get it can change everything.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a military spouse, or someone craving purpose in your business journey, this conversation will remind you that success is never solo — it’s built with belief, vision, and the right people by your side.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Spousely was born to uplift military and first responder families through e-commerce.
• Monica shares real-talk lessons on burnout, delegation, and team-building.
• Personal stories are powerful tools for attracting aligned teammates and customers.
• Community is the secret to sustainable growth — you don’t have to do it alone.
• Future plans include Spousely’s online course to help others launch with clarity and confidence.
• Authenticity isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of long-term success.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

📍Tune in for:

• Real founder friendship vibes
• Behind-the-scenes of building a business while balancing life
• Tangible insights into team growth, burnout recovery, and business evolution
• What’s next for Spousely — and how you can grow with it

In this special Present & Powerful episode, the mic gets flipped! Lyndsey Akers is interviewed by her business bestie and fellow military spouse entrepreneur, Monica Fullerton, for a raw and heartfelt conversation on motherhood, visibility, storytelling, and the winding path of entrepreneurship.

Together, they reflect on the power of being seen, the lessons learned from life transitions, and the unshakable value of community. Lyndsey opens up about balancing motherhood with mission-driven business growth, sharing what it really takes to stay grounded when the journey feels anything but linear.

Whether you're a fellow military spouse, a woman building a business while raising a family, or simply someone who believes in the power of your voice — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:
🌟 Why your story matters more than your stats
🌟 The gift of having a “business bestie” who truly gets it
🌟 The beauty (and chaos) of pursuing success on your own terms
🌟 How storytelling creates deeper connections — and real growth
🌟 Why community support is the backbone of business and personal transformation

This episode is for you if:
You crave honest conversations about entrepreneurship, identity, motherhood, and the magic that happens when women support each other.

In this solo episode, visibility strategist Lyndsey Akers highlights why the CEO or leader of any business must be forward-facing to drive growth. She explains how staying behind the scenes is no longer a viable strategy for subject matter experts and entrepreneurs who want to build trust, attract media features, and create lasting credibility in their space. From leveraging PR to elevating your personal brand, Lyndsey unpacks the mindset and strategy needed to stop being your industry’s best-kept secret — and start becoming the go-to expert.

💥 What You’ll Learn:

• Why visibility and leadership go hand in hand for lasting business growth
• How to build trust and engage audiences beyond social media
• Ways to use PR and personal branding to position yourself as a credible expert
• Where to focus your time and effort to find visibility opportunities that actually move the needle
• Why being seen leads to more leads, faster decisions, and long-term influence

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Being a best kept secret won’t attract clients or opportunities
• PR expands your reach — without adding more to your plate
• A visible personal brand builds reputation, which builds revenue
• Action breeds clarity — take the first step to be seen
• Your business can’t grow if people don’t know what you do best

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – The Importance of Visibility in Business
02:08 – Building Trust Beyond Social Media
04:12 – The Role of PR in Business Strategy
06:52 – Elevating Your Personal Brand
08:51 – Visibility as a Path to Opportunities
09:11 – Becoming the Go-To Expert in Your Industry
10:35 – Practical Steps to Enhance Visibility

What if outsourcing your household tasks was the key to reclaiming your time, energy, and peace of mind?

In this insightful episode of the Present & Powerful Podcast, host Lyndsey Akers sits down with Kelly from Sage Haus—a trailblazer in modern household management—to talk about redefining what support looks like for today’s families.

Born from her own experience with burnout, Kelly shares the personal journey that led her to launch Sage Haus, a service designed to match overwhelmed families with trained house managers who bring order, relief, and calm to the chaos of daily life. From creating systems that support your unique lifestyle to dismantling the stigma of asking for help, this conversation is a masterclass in how thoughtful outsourcing can transform your home, your mindset, and your capacity.

Together, Lyndsey and Kelly dig into what it really takes to run a household with intention, how to make empowered decisions about investing in support, and why asking for help is one of the most courageous (and strategic) moves a parent can make.

What You’ll Learn:
✨ What a house manager is—and why it’s not just another name for a nanny or cleaner
✨ Why so many families still feel overwhelmed, even with childcare in place
✨ How conducting a “time audit” can help you delegate with confidence
✨ The mindset shifts required to overcome guilt and reclaim your time
✨ Why outsourcing is not about luxury, but about sustainability
✨ How Sage Haus is making household support accessible and meaningful

This conversation is for you if:
You’re a busy parent or entrepreneur craving more peace, clarity, and bandwidth in your daily life—and you’re ready to explore smart, sustainable support systems that actually work.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Sage Haus
03:08 – Kelly’s Burnout Story & the Birth of a New Model
06:01 – What Is a House Manager, Really?
09:04 – How Sage Haus Services Have Evolved
11:51 – Demystifying the Hiring Process
15:04 – Budgeting for Support That Fits Your Life
18:11 – The True Value of Time and Mental Load
21:13 – Accessibility and Custom-Tailored Help
23:43 – Understanding the Cost Factors
26:51 – The Power of a Time Audit
31:53 – Creating Systems That Work for You
36:01 – Dismantling Outsourcing Misconceptions
41:51 – Balancing Family, Business, and Boundaries
45:07 – Kelly’s Advice for Aspiring Founders

What really happens after the conference ends? In this special episode of the Present & Powerful Podcast, host Lyndsey Akers sits down with Taylor Smith:npowerhouse founder, community architect, and the visionary behind Power Table Live, to reflect on the unforgettable energy of this year’s event and what’s coming next.

Taylor shares candid insights into the planning, intention, and identity-driven leadership that shaped the Power Table Live experience. From sparking authentic connections to designing a conference that felt like a homecoming for ambitious women, she pulls back the curtain on the why behind the wow. Together, Lyndsey and Taylor explore how identity fuels entrepreneurship, why being in the room changes everything, and how to build powerful relationships that go beyond business cards.

If you’ve ever longed for a business community that sees all of you, this is the episode to hit play on.

What You’ll Learn:
✨ Why authenticity is the backbone of impactful networking
✨ How Taylor used her keynote to challenge identity norms in entrepreneurship
✨ What makes the Power Table Live experience different and deeply personal
✨ The real ROI of showing up in person and building before asking
✨ A look ahead at future opportunities and how to get involved in the movement

This conversation is for you if:
You’re a woman entrepreneur seeking more aligned community, meaningful networking, and a deeper connection between who you are and the business you’re building.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Event Recap
13:08
The Power of Community and Connection
21:19
Identity and Authenticity in Business
29:05
Future of Power Table Live and Speaker Opportunities

In this guest episode series of The Present and Powerful Podcast, Lyndsey Akers welcomes Hannah Wardenburg, founder of The Wealth Collaborative, for a conversation that unpacks what it really means for women to own their future when it comes to wealth, entrepreneurship, and financial freedom.

Together, Lyndsey and Hannah explore the rise of the new money movement, a shift that’s redefining how women approach business, profit, and long-term wealth. Hannah shares her evolution from traditional finance to building a firm that champions women entrepreneurs and empowers them to build aligned, sustainable, and profitable businesses.

You'll walk away with clarity around the often-confused concepts of revenue vs. profit, learn why having a solid exit strategy is a non-negotiable, and gain a deeper understanding of the mindset shifts required to truly build wealth, not just income.

This episode is a must-listen for ambitious women in business who are building their own empires while also navigating family life, relationship dynamics, and financial decision-making.

Hannah and Lyndsey don’t shy away from the tough conversations, whether it’s talking about money with a partner, embracing the unknown, or trusting yourself to do it scared. With practical advice, relatable stories, and strategic insights, this episode is the permission slip and the roadmap every woman entrepreneur needs.

Key Takeaways:

The new money movement is changing the game for women entrepreneurs

Knowing the difference between revenue and profit is essential

Mindset blocks around money are common (and conquerable)

Family responsibilities don’t have to stall your financial growth

Money conversations in relationships are key to building shared goals

Your business needs an exit strategy, even if you're just getting started

Women are creating wealth through passion, purpose, and strategic planning

Trusting yourself and doing it scared is often where success begins

Chapters Include:
00:00 – The Journey to Wealth Generation
05:01 – Navigating the New Money Movement
11:28 – Understanding Revenue vs. Profit
18:03 – Blind Spots in Financial Management
22:12 – Lifestyle Business vs. Enterprise Business
28:06 – Aligning Business Goals with Personal Wealth
29:42 – Exit Strategies: Why They Matter
31:26 – Life Beyond Business: Planning for Sustainability
33:01 – Balancing Family and Business
39:15 – Navigating Childcare and Support
41:26 – Investing Together: Couple Strategies
44:17 – Doing It Scared: Trusting Yourself
46:23 – Long-Term Wealth Planning