In this episode, Kari explores the hidden challenges that come with the very freedoms that attract us to working online. Whether you’ve transitioned a traditional team to remote work or started your business virtually from day one, you’ll learn why flexibility, low overhead, and casual hiring processes can actually create roadblocks to scaling your team and how to overcome them. Kari draws from her own experience leading in-person, hybrid, and fully virtual teams to offer practical tips for buil...
Aug 19, 2025•17 min•Ep. 66
In this inspiring and refreshingly candid episode, Kari is joined by longtime colleague and friend, Melanie Harris—CEO and physiotherapist at Functional Therapy, a thriving pediatric practice in Alberta. Melanie shares her journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business leader, opening up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving behind secure employment, scaling a purpose-driven business, and redefining leadership in healthcare. Together, Kari and Melanie reflect on the ...
Aug 05, 2025•57 min•Ep. 65
Is your summer slipping away while you’re still glued to your business? If you dreamed of afternoons with your feet up, reading a book, or spending unrushed time with family—but instead feel constantly interrupted by client calls, emails, and shifting schedules—this episode is for you. Kari shares practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you reclaim the rest of your summer without sacrificing your business. From setting clear boundaries with clients to adjusting your summer hours based on...
Jul 22, 2025•19 min•Ep. 64
Welcome to Part 3 of Kari Lotzien’s special mini-series designed for healthcare professionals navigating the world of business. In this episode, Kari—business and leadership coach and former occupational therapist—guides listeners through one of the most crucial decisions in private practice: when and how to scale. Drawing from over two decades of firsthand experience building and selling a multidisciplinary healthcare practice, Kari opens up about the strategic thinking and mindset shifts requi...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 63
In this episode, Kari Lotzien continues her miniseries for healthcare professionals transitioning into business ownership. Drawing from over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist and successful private practice owner, Kari dives into the crucial topic of sales—a frequently overlooked but essential aspect of healthcare entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your client onboarding process, this episode is packed with insights you can use today. Key...
Jun 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 62
In this powerful kickoff to her special mini-series, Kari Lotzien, business and leadership coach and former occupational therapist, shares how her personal journey from solopreneur to successful healthcare business owner and eventual seller informs her mission to support others on the same path. This episode focuses on the foundations healthcare providers need to build a sustainable, scalable business. Drawing from both real-world experience and formal training, Kari shares the mindset shifts an...
Jun 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Kari Lotzien opens up about a growing desire many entrepreneurs feel—but rarely voice: the longing for a slower pace in life and business. As summer approaches, Kari explores the deep benefits of embracing “slow leadership”—a philosophy that allows you to lead with clarity, presence, and purpose, without sacrificing profitability or success. She dives into her personal journey from hustle to intention, and shares practical signs of “speed creep” that may be costing you more than...
May 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 60
In this heartfelt and timely episode, Kari reflects on the emotional weight of recent events—including the divisiveness surrounding the Canadian federal election—and extends a warm, empowering message to the often-overlooked "quiet leaders." These are the behind-the-scenes anchors of our families, communities, and businesses. Through personal insight and grounded storytelling, Kari outlines the five powerful traits of quiet leadership, how they’re making a difference, and why now more than ever,...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 59
In this episode of Be the Anchor, Kari Lotzien invites you into her recently decluttered workspace to explore the power of spring cleaning your business—physically, digitally, and with your time. If you've been feeling buried by the "stuff" of entrepreneurship—sticky notes, digital files, or calendar clutter—this episode delivers tangible steps to create space and welcome in new energy and opportunities. Topics Covered: Physical Clutter: How to clear your desk, drawers, and mystery notes using t...
Apr 29, 2025•28 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of Be the Anchor, Kari Lotzien invites small business owners to pause before making the life-altering decision to walk away from their business. Through five reflective questions, Kari shares personal insights and practical tools to help entrepreneurs navigate burnout, stress, and evolving business challenges. If you're at a crossroads and wondering whether to shut it down or shake it up, this episode is your lifeline. Topics Covered: How to reconnect with your “why” and explore ...
Apr 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 57
Transitioning into a leadership position presents many challenges with both mindset and strategy. It is especially challenging for those who tend to “do it all” in their businesses or who are natural people pleasers. In this episode, Kari Lotzien discusses the common fears associated with stepping into leadership roles and offers practical advice for small business owners on how to build sustainable and scalable businesses by stepping into true leadership. Highlights include insights into the An...
Apr 01, 2025•26 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, Kari explores the pivotal role of automation in small businesses. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with her grandmother, Kari delves into how technological advancements, particularly automation, can dramatically enhance operational efficiency and scalability in small businesses. Key Topics Discussed: Impact of Automation: How automation saves time and allows business owners to focus on core activities. Mindset Shifts Required for Automation: Overcoming the notion that aut...
Mar 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of Be The Anchor, I am welcoming Katie Dooley, founder of Paper Lime Creative, a design and branding agency based in Edmonton, Alberta. Katie shares her journey from designing her first brochure at age 11 to founding her own agency and becoming a sought-after brand strategist. The discussion delves into the pitfalls of DIY design, the importance of branding as a business tool, and why a logo should not be so literal. Katie also offers insights into how businesses can differentiat...
Mar 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, we are tackling the challenging issue of declining revenue and sales. Drawing from real-life experiences and observing the recent closure of major Canadian retailers, I am sharing actionable strategies for small business owners. Key points include understanding your financials, engaging with your team and customers, analyzing shifts in buyer behavior, and optimizing existing products rather than jumping to new ones. When times are tough, the importance of community support, time...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, I am sharing the top five hiring mistakes that small business owners often make and how to avoid them. I am drawing from years of coaching with small business owners as well as my own personal mistakes. The consequences of these mistakes can cost business owners both money and valuable time. We discuss the consequences of delaying hiring, attempting to clone oneself, not defining the needed role clearly, creating vague job positions (slumgullion), neglecting to check references,...
Feb 04, 2025•24 min•Ep. 52
The routine of setting New Year goals and resolutions often ends in disappointment. Initially, I described 2024 as the year of disappointment. After spending time really digging into why I felt that way, I came up with some real reasons behind the common struggles in achieving goals, the necessity of re-evaluating our goals, and the impact of internal and external factors on our success. In this episode, I am talking about optimization. Dialling in your goals, effective strategies and actions th...
Jan 21, 2025•36 min•Ep. 51
I am thrilled to welcome Roxann Klepper, a top realtor from central Alberta and a member of the prestigious RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Beyond her success in real estate, Roxanne is a passionate advocate for women creating strong, sustainable businesses and a proactive community builder. About Roxann: Grew up in Central Alberta. Not only a distinguished realtor but also a significant figure in supporting women entrepreneurs. Host of the podcast "Brick by Brick," focusing on female entrepreneurship and ...
Jan 07, 2025•50 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, Kari guides you through a reflective practice for closing out the year. You are encouraged to come back to your core values, express gratitude, assess your wins, acknowledge challenges, and reflect on your experiences. The episode emphasizes the importance of pausing and resting before setting new goals for 2025. Join in with a journal and your favorite beverage to create space for personal and professional growth. 01:45 Reflecting on Core Values 02:42 Embracing Gratitude 04:52 ...
Dec 24, 2024•15 min•Ep. 49
In this inspiring episode, Kari Lotzien sits down with Dr. Shahana Alibhai, author, TEDx speaker, family physician, and mental health advocate. Together, they dive into the challenges of balancing high-performance careers and personal well-being, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and the simple yet profound practice of joy stretching. Dr. Shahana shares insights from her groundbreaking work with adolescents and her new book, "Feel Better," which is already making waves. This episode...
Dec 10, 2024•58 min•Ep. 48
In this insightful episode, Kari Lotzien, a seasoned business and leadership coach, unpacks the complexities of hiring friends and family members in small businesses. Drawing from personal experiences and her work with clients, Kari provides actionable advice on how to make this sensitive arrangement work while maintaining professional boundaries and fostering business growth. Whether you’re a small business owner in a close-knit community or simply considering bringing a familiar face into your...
Nov 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 47
We are delving into the topic of chronic overthinking, a habit that keeps so many people stuck in inaction. I am sharing my favorite questions that I use when faced with decisions that may trigger overthinking and help me to get clarity. I will also provide you with ideas to prevent decision paralysis in your business. Whether it's a new business opportunity, a potential move, or a change in life direction, this episode offers practical strategies to guide you through chronic overthinking and in...
Nov 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 46
Want to Start a Podcast? We are celebrating a birthday! This podcast has been on the air for a whole year. In this episode, I am answering your questions about what to expect when starting and leveraging a podcast for your business. I’m giving you my lessons learned along with practical advice if you are considering starting a podcast. I’m answering common questions I get about podcasting, including monetization, time commitment, and how to come up with a year of content ideas. ___ Key Points co...
Oct 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 45
I am getting vulnerable with you today. There are few experiences in life that act as amplifiers for self-awareness. Intimate relationships, parenthood, and running a business can act as 'amplifiers' that can help reveal our true nature and shed light on our blind spots as a leader. I am sharing a bit of my own personal journey, including mistakes and real-life examples, to illustrate the challenges leaders face when seeking and responding to feedback. I have also created a fun quiz to help you ...
Oct 15, 2024•27 min•Ep. 44
In this week’s episode, I am diving into the challenging topic of accountability within small business. We are discussing practical strategies for leaders to not only hold their teams accountable but also themselves, ensuring clarity and fostering responsibility in the workplace. Key Points: Leading by Example: Let’s talk about the importance of leaders holding themselves accountable before expecting the same from their teams. Accountability begins with fulfilling your own commitments and settin...
Oct 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 43
In this inspiring episode of Be The Anchor , host Kari Lotzien speaks with Angie Caillou, founder of AVS Legal, about her journey from solopreneur to leading a team of 16. Angie shares her personal experiences in overcoming the challenges of balancing work and a busy family life, and how she leveraged business coaching and the Anchored Leadership Academy to achieve her goals. Key Points Discussed: Why not now: Angie shares a beautiful story about how she decided to take the plunge from being an ...
Sep 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 42
Leadership goes far beyond managing people, having the most knowledge, or the most experience. Leadership is a completely separate skill from what most of us learn in traditional schooling. In this episode, I am delving into the key principles of leadership and the foundations of the Anchored Leadership Academy. Leadership is about fostering true collaboration and finding the best in people. It starts with the ability to self-reflect and self-regulate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone lo...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 41
Service-based businesses trade their time for money. You might think that you can’t grow your business without hiring more staff. In this episode of Be The Anchor , I am sharing some of my favorite ways to build service-based businesses without hiring more people. I guide listeners through a process you can use to assess your own small business and what trends are happening in your industry. This opens up opportunities for new ideas to consider to increase your revenue, increase the lifetime val...
Aug 20, 2024•31 min•Ep. 40
It can be challenging to offer raises when your business budget is tight. In this episode, I discuss practical and cost-effective ways for small business owners to show appreciation for their team members without overspending. Recognizing and valuing your employees through creative perks, flexible work arrangements, and genuine feedback can help maintain morale and motivation. Balancing financial responsibility with sincere appreciation can foster a positive work environment and contribute to lo...
Aug 06, 2024•19 min•Ep. 39
It can be tempting to offer steep discounts or to host large events to show appreciation to your customers but I think we need to be cautious. In this episode, I am discussing practical and cost-effective ways for small business owners to show appreciation for their customers in personal ways that cost very little. Personalized and genuine gestures are so valued. This is where I think small businesses have an edge over large corporations. Showing sincere appreciation while balancing financial re...
Jul 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of "Be the Anchor," host Kari Lotzien is joined by LinkedIn expert Tony K. Silver to discuss how small business owners can optimize their LinkedIn profiles and leverage the platform to generate leads, build relationships, and increase sales. Tony is a multi-award-winning LinkedIn profile expert. He shares practical tips and insights from his extensive experience since 2009, providing listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their LinkedIn presence. Key Points in this episo...
Jul 09, 2024•43 min•Ep. 37
