Send us a text We’ve made it to the end of Season 8—and today, I’m sharing the biggest themes that came up across every conversation I had with this season’s incredible business owners. These aren’t just talking points; they’re real-world lessons from folks who are rewriting the rules of business in ways that actually work for their lives. From rethinking what success really means, to drawing clear boundaries, to ditching outdated norms in favor of joy, sustainability, and alignment—this episode...
Jun 24, 2025•7 min•Season 8Ep. 16
Send us a text Can you build a business you love and keep your day job—without burning out? I sit down with Chelsey Newmyer, behavior change specialist and founder of From Overwhelmed to Under Control , to unpack what it really takes to do both. From redefining productivity to letting go of the shame around evolving your offers, Chelsey offers insight-rich stories and strategies for creatives who are done with hustle culture and ready for a more values-aligned way to work. If you’ve ever questio...
Jun 17, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 15
Send us a text When your inbox values don’t align with your ethics... it’s time to change the rules. In this conversation, Jacki sits down with Bev Feldman—email strategist, tech fairy, and outspoken advocate for human-first systems—to unpack what it really means to run email marketing through a lens of consent, clarity, and care. Bev isn’t here to shame your funnel. She’s here to reframe it. We talk about walking away from “bro marketing,” setting boundaries with confidence, and why your opt-in...
Jun 10, 2025•28 min•Season 8Ep. 14
Send us a text When your business demands more than your body can give, what do you do? In this episode, I sit down with Taina Brown—personal and professional development coach, somatic facilitator, and strategy whiz—for a powerful conversation on sustainable business practices, values alignment, and how Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown transformed the way she leads. After a health crisis forced her to pause her business entirely, Taina reimagined everything. From redefining what succes...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Season 8Ep. 13
Send us a text What if staying solo didn’t mean staying stuck? This episode is your permission slip to step out of the client-work grind without adding to your payroll. Whether you’ve tried hiring and hated it, aren’t financially ready, or just like flying solo—there’s another path. And it starts with systems. This isn’t about tech for tech’s sake or hustle culture hacks. It’s about building a business that actually works for you. If you’ve been craving more space without managing more people, t...
May 27, 2025•10 min•Season 8Ep. 12
Send us a text I spent years absorbing corporate “best practices”—how to write emails, how to hold meetings, how to pretend I wasn’t a full human while working. It wasn’t until I started working with creative, values-driven solopreneurs (like you) that I realized: a lot of those norms don’t actually serve us. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the corporate habits I’ve consciously unlearned —and how replacing them with more personal, intuitive approaches has helped my business feel...
May 20, 2025•11 min•Season 8Ep. 11
Send us a text What if your social media presence didn’t feel like a chore? In this candid conversation, I’m joined by Jayci Trujillo—founder of Happy Girl Marketing—for a refreshing chat on building flexible businesses, posting like a real human, and designing a social media strategy that works for you . We unpack everything from sourdough starters to sustainable client engagement, content creation myths, and what it actually means to do business your way (hint: it might not involve seven figur...
May 13, 2025•31 min•Season 8Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode of Here’s What I Learned , I sit down with podcast strategist and founder of Galati Media, Alesia Galati , to talk about building a values-first business, scaling intentionally, and why it's okay to burn it down and start again . We dive into doing business your way , creating sustainable systems, and overcoming imposter syndrome—especially when launching a podcast or trying to grow one without selling your soul. Alesia shares her insights on leading a mission-driv...
May 06, 2025•30 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Send us a text I’m sharing how I’ve been using ChatGPT as a judgment-free, burnout-aware sounding board. Not to write content or automate my business systems, but to help me think clearer and make values-aligned decisions without spiraling into overthinking or dumping thousands on a coach every time I hit a fork in the road. I’ll walk you through how I use it like a meditation app for my business brain: to process decisions about capacity to evaluate offers based on energy, not just income and t...
Apr 29, 2025•5 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Send us a text In today's episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on four small (but mighty) systems tweaks that have made my business feel smoother, calmer, and way more me . These aren’t shiny new tools or complicated funnels. I’m talking about simple shifts that helped me stop fighting my own energy and start designing a business backend that supports the way I actually work. What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast player Leave a review so the podcast is seen by more pe...
Apr 22, 2025•6 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Send us a text What happens when an HR pro leaves the corporate grind to build a business rooted in ethics, empathy, and real talk? In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Ziegler, an HR consultant who’s rewriting the rules of people management for small business owners. From navigating the difference between contractors and employees (without a legal headache) to building better hiring practices from the inside out, Kirsten breaks it all down in a way that’s clear, calm, and incredibly helpful...
Apr 15, 2025•29 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Send us a text What if everything you’ve been taught about work, success, and professionalism is actually holding you back? In this episode of Here's What I Learned , I sit down with Becky Mollenkamp , an accountability coach and intersectional feminist, to unpack the hidden ways oppressive work norms shape our businesses—and how to break free from them. Becky shares her journey of unlearning corporate conditioning, rejecting the toxic hustle mindset, and embracing a version of success that actu...
Apr 08, 2025•35 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Send us a text Show Notes: In this episode of Here's What I Learned, I’m flying solo to talk about one of my favorite nerdy rabbit holes: personality typologies—and how they’ve helped me design a business that actually works with how I’m wired. I share what it’s like to be an INTJ, Enneagram 5w6, and Manifesting Generator (4/6 profile, sacral authority), and how these frameworks gave me language for my over-analysis, craving for competency, and need for fast decision-making. But this episode isn...
Apr 01, 2025•10 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode of Here's What I Learned , I'm joined by Melody Johnson, founder of The Course Consultant, to talk about creating courses, redefining success, and designing a business that truly fits your life. Melody shares her journey of taking a 10-month break from business after adopting two special needs children—and what it meant to return with a new perspective on offers, availability, and boundaries. We dive into the reality of course completion rates vs. customer satisfac...
Mar 25, 2025•28 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Send us a text In this episode of Here's What I Learned , I sit down with Casey Eade—connection strategist, professional friend-finder, and advocate for low-capacity business owners—to dive deep into authentic engagement, values-driven marketing, and creating sustainable business relationships. Casey shares her fresh take on collaborations, slow business growth, and why engagement strategies should actually work for you , not against you. We also discuss the importance of community, social media...
Mar 18, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome back to Here's What I Learned ! We’re kicking off Season 8 with a solo episode (because apparently, I like talking to myself). It’s been two years since I started this podcast, and I’m reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned over three years of running my business. This episode is part storytelling, part real talk, and part “what would 2021 Jacki say if she knew what was coming?” Spoiler: She’d probably be both terrified and relieved. From unexpected pivots to figuring out ...
Mar 11, 2025•15 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Send us a text Season 8 is coming soon! I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for eight seasons, but here we are! Here’s What I Learned is back, and this season brings more of the real, no-fluff conversations you love—plus some new twists. 🔹 More incredible guests sharing their expertise on ethical business, sustainable growth, and doing things your way. 🔹 More solo episodes where I pull back the curtain on what’s working (and what’s not) in my own business. 🔹 More inspiring soap box talks—bec...
Mar 04, 2025•3 min
Send us a text In this special wrap-up episode, I’m reflecting on the biggest lessons from Season 7 of Here’s What I Learned . This season was all about authenticity, alignment, and building businesses that don’t just work—but work for you . From simplifying services and trusting intuition to creating work-life balance and embracing creativity, the conversations this season were packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in as I highlight the most impactful takeaways from my chats with incredibl...
Dec 10, 2024•6 min•Season 7Ep. 18
Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Rachel Lee, an artist and brand stylist, about her journey from following traditional branding playbooks to creating a business that’s truly her own. Rachel shares how she transitioned from long, exhausting branding projects to offering one-week, live co-creation sessions that bring efficiency and joy back into the process. This pivot has transformed not only her client relationships but also her work-life balance. Rachel opens up about the power of al...
Nov 26, 2024•29 min•Season 7Ep. 17
Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Lauri Smith, speaker and creator of the Vocal Presence Path, about embracing intuition in business. Lauri shares how joining a marketing program that didn’t sit right led her to rethink her approach and shift her content strategy. Guided by intuition, she launched the Speakers Studio, an intentional offer that aligns with her values and focuses on purpose over traditional metrics. Lauri’s advice is simple: trust your instincts, build a business that fe...
Nov 13, 2024•26 min•Season 7Ep. 16
Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Rosemarie Callender, a podcast coach and launch strategist, about her journey from following cookie-cutter business advice to building a business that truly aligns with her strengths and preferences. Rosemarie shares how she transitioned from managing podcasts on a stressful monthly retainer model to offering VIP day launches, where she condenses a six-week process into a two-week intensive. This shift has been a game-changer for her, helping her run a...
Oct 29, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 15
Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Almonte, a passionate traveler who’s made the leap from traditional business roles to carving out a space in travel-related entrepreneurship. Sue gets real about the ups and downs of experimenting in business and how aligning your work with your values can make all the difference. She shares some advice on navigating social media without burning out, and for all the solo travelers out there, she’s got tips on how to embrace being alone and ease i...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min•Season 7Ep. 14
Send us a text In today's episode, I'm talking with Steph Wharton, leadership and visibility coach. Steph shares the transformative power of trusting yourself in business decisions. She also dives into how going all-in on your own choices, rather than getting swayed by outside opinions, can create true alignment. Steph opens up about the challenges of balancing visibility with personal life, especially after becoming a mom, and how that led her to shift her marketing strategy from social media t...
Oct 01, 2024•30 min•Season 7Ep. 13
Send us a text In today's episode, I talk with Tracy Stanger, an anti-hustle business coach about the importance of doing business in the most you way. Tracy shares her journey from a 9-5 job to running her own business and working 10 hours per week. She also talks about why she advocates for focusing on the essentials - offers, marketing strategies, and work routines - based on your individual preferences. We also chat about how taking breaks have helped her create some of her favorite offers a...
Sep 17, 2024•24 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Send us a text In today's episode, Bailey Caswell and I discussed her journey from managing a real estate office to starting her own business. Bailey shares how she finds fulfillment working with local businesses and nonprofits. She highlights the challenges of balancing work and family, including setting clear work hours and teaching her child the concept of work time. And she stresses the importance of timing and prioritizing projects. Topics: Assessing Whether a Project Worth Pursuing (4:40) ...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Season 7Ep. 11
Send us a text In today's episode, Jillian and I discussed setting boundaries in business while balancing personal life and prioritizing self-care. Jillian shared her personal journey of learning to recognize and communicate her boundaries, while I talked about the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout. We also chatted about the importance of being intentional with content posting on social media and using keywords and hashtags to reach t...
Aug 21, 2024•25 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Send us a text In today's episode, Katie Carson and I talk about the importance of prioritizing self-care and mindset in business, emphasizing the need to recognize one's worth and take care of oneself. We also discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life as creative entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of understanding energy cycles and taking breaks to avoid burnout. And we chat about the importance of striking a balance between consistency and flexibility in marketing stra...
Aug 06, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Send us a text In today's episode, I talk with Patricia Sung about the challenges and benefits of starting a business as people with ADHD. Patricia share the importance of seeking support and finding a balance between flexibility and structure when running a thriving business. We also chat about managing energy levels, prioritizing tasks, and creating more balanced schedules. Finally, we discuss the significance of failing early and often to gain data we can use to create success. Topics: Priori...
Jul 16, 2024•30 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Send us a text In today's episode, Becky Bullard and I sit down to a conversation about prioritizing community needs in business decision-making. We also talk about the challenges of balancing creativity and financial sustainability in entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for honesty and sustainability in balancing these factors. Becky shares her story of how she turned politics sexy and how others can find their own well of courage. Topics: Prioritizing business decisions based on community ...
Jul 02, 2024•24 min
Send us a text In today's episode, I talk with Sarah K. Heeter about the importance of prioritizing self-trust, emotional resilience, and emotional intelligence in business. We also discuss the various forms of grief entrepreneurs may experience and the importance of acknowledging and processing our emotions. This conversation emphasized the importance of prioritizing your own needs and well-being in business to achieve success and longevity. Topics: Trusting intuition and avoiding negative infl...
Jun 18, 2024•43 min•Season 7Ep. 6
