BizBlend

Building Trust Under Fire: Dr. Jen Donahue on Leadership, Imposter Syndrome & The Unity Paradox

In this empowering episode of BizBlend, host Sana dives deep into the art and science of leadership with Dr. Jen Donahue—a retired U.S. Navy captain, combat veteran, engineer, and founder. From leading in war zones to drilling through ice in Alaska, Dr. Jen shares how trust, vulnerability, and self-awareness are non-negotiables for high-performing teams. She opens up about imposter syndrome, the myth of needing all the answers, and how embracing individual strengths leads to unified success. Whether you're a founder, executive, or team lead, this episode offers actionable insights to lead with authenticity and impact.About the Guest:Dr. Jen Donahue is a decorated U.S. Navy captain, PhD in engineering, and a leadership consultant who has commanded elite teams across the world. With decades of experience in both military and corporate arenas, she now empowers leaders to build cohesive, resilient teams through trust and purpose. Her upcoming book explores how to rewire your brain to overcome imposter syndrome and reclaim confidence.Key Takeaways:Trust First: Leadership begins with trusting your team before asking for theirs.Vulnerability Builds Authority: Showing humility fosters deeper respect and engagement.Imposter Syndrome is Rewireable: Simple practices like listing accomplishments help reframe self-doubt.The Unity Paradox: Aligning unique individuals to a shared mission requires clarity, vision, and inclusion.Conflict Resolution: Face conflict head-on; ignoring it only amplifies dysfunction.Reinvention is Power: Don’t fear pivoting—life’s too short to stay stuck.Connect with Dr. Jen Donahue:Website: www.jendonahue.comLinkedIn: Dr. Jen DonahueWant to be a guest on BizBlend?DM me on PodMatch: DM Me HereSubscribe & Join Our Community:Newsletter: SubscribeCommunity: Join HereStay Tuned and Follow Us:YouTubeInstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedIn - Reema | LinkedIn - Avik#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Leading with Purpose: Dr. Jessica Edwards on Redefining Healthcare, Burnout, and Boundaries

In this powerful episode of BizBlend, host Sana sits down with Dr. Jessica Edwards—board-certified family physician, healthcare entrepreneur, executive MBA candidate, and mom of two—to explore what it means to lead with authenticity as a woman in medicine and business. Dr. Jessica opens up about her journey through burnout, why she left traditional healthcare systems, and how she built Zara Medical—a clinic redefining patient-centered care through innovation and intention. From AI automation to gratitude practices, she shares how she's balancing motherhood, mission, and modern medicine. This is a must-listen for women leaders ready to disrupt, lead from within, and protect their energy while making impact.About the Guest:Dr. Jessica Edwards is the founder of Zara Medical, a forward-thinking clinic focused on accessible, personalized healthcare powered by technology. As a mother to a neurodivergent child and a passionate advocate for physician well-being, Dr. Jessica is leading the charge in creating systemic change from the inside out—on her terms. She’s also pursuing an executive MBA to amplify her impact in the healthcare industry.Key Takeaways:Burnout became Dr. Jessica’s turning point to build her own clinic and prioritize family and freedom.Zara Medical was built to be everything traditional clinics aren’t—personalized, accessible, and tech-forward.AI is transforming healthcare, from improving patient communication to streamlining documentation.Boundaries and gratitude are central to sustaining leadership, especially for women balancing multiple roles.Leadership means empowering others and making value-driven decisions—even when it's hard.Women can disrupt male-dominated systems by showing up, solving real problems, and just doing it.Connect with Dr. Jessica Edwards:Website: www.zaramedical.comEmail: hello@zaramedical.comWant to be a guest on BizBlend?DM on PodMatch: DM Me HereSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join the Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Scaling Without Burnout: The Billion-Dollar Purpose with Leila Lehbabi

In this episode of BizBlend, host Sana sits down with Leila Lehbabi—former Oliver Wyman strategist turned founder of Mind Impact—to explore how businesses can scale with soul. Leila dives deep into her signature CLAP methodology that empowers founders to increase performance by 153%—without hustle culture, burnout, or misalignment. Together, they unpack case studies like Patagonia, Salesforce, and Toyota to reveal how purpose-led companies retain top talent, stay true to their mission, and outperform the competition. If you’re a startup founder feeling the disconnect or ready to scale without losing yourself, this episode is your blueprint.About Leila Lehbabi:Leila is a strategy author, leadership advisor, and founder of Mind Impact. With years at the top of traditional consulting, including Oliver Wyman, she now helps purpose-driven leaders scale consciously. Her upcoming book The 1 Billion Dollar Purpose reveals how conscious businesses can thrive by aligning people, culture, and performance. Her work is grounded in real-world experience and mindfulness-driven leadership.Key Takeaways:Strategy without aligned leadership and culture fails in execution.The CLAP Method: Collective intelligence, Leadership, Autonomy, People—drives 153% performance.Burnout is a business risk, not a badge of honor—scale sustainably.Mindful leadership and internal alignment are crucial in high-growth phases.Purpose-led businesses like Patagonia outperform not just financially, but humanely.Connect with Leila:Access her free 27-min training on impact at scale: https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scaleGet updates on her upcoming book The 1 Billion Dollar Purpose by joining her email list via the training link.Want to be a guest on BizBlend? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #bizblend #leadershipdevelopment #scalingbusiness #purposefulwork #burnoutprevention #founderjourney

From $27 to a Kingdom Movement: Kristin Dronchi on Faith-Led Business & Divine Collaborations

In this powerful episode of BizBlend with Sana, Kristin Dronchi, host of the Kingdom Revolution Podcast, shares her inspiring journey from earning just $27 in two years to building a thriving coaching business rooted in faith and purpose. She reveals how letting go of hustle culture, embracing divine alignment, and leveraging “kingdom collaborations” became the keys to massive growth—without selling her soul to social media. Kristin and Sana dive deep into building with God, the reality of being a mompreneur, and why harmony matters more than balance. This episode is a must-listen for faith-driven women entrepreneurs ready to grow with grace.About the Guest:Kristin Dronchi is a Christian mindset and business coach, movement maker, and the host of The Kingdom Revolution Podcast. She helps faith-led women entrepreneurs escape burnout and build impactful businesses aligned with their divine calling—not worldly hustle. Her signature Smart Lead Gen method and story of divine transformation are inspiring women worldwide to embrace God’s design for business.Key Takeaways:Building a business with God, not just for Him, changes everything.Social media is a tool, not a business strategy—relationships and email lists are more powerful.Kingdom collaborations create trust and impact without the algorithm chase.Harmony, not balance, is the true key for mompreneurs managing faith, family, and business.There’s no competition in the kingdom—just unique callings and aligned partnerships.Connect with Kristin Dronchi:Email: kristindronchi@gmail.comLinks: https://businessbygodsdesign.com/faith-in-online-business-for-christians/https://www.facebook.com/christianwomeninonlinebusiness/Grab her free resource: Grow Without the Scroll private podcastTune into her podcast: Kingdom Revolution PodcastWant to be a guest on BizBlend? DM on PMDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Designing Legacy-Driven Careers with Diane Yarborough: The Disney Way to Culture & Leadership

In this heartfelt episode of BizBlend with Sana, we welcome Diane Yarborough, the founder of Castaway & Company and a culture design expert with over 20 years at Disney. From launching cruise lines and leading leadership workshops to now transforming organizations through her signature Castle Approach, Diane shares how to create intentional careers, authentic leadership, and values-driven workplace cultures.Diane dives deep into the frameworks behind rethinking, re-recruiting, and retaining talent in a post-pandemic world. We explore how storytelling fuels leadership, why introverts deserve space at the table, and how magic can exist even in car washes and banks. Whether you're in a startup or enterprise, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and redesign work to be human-first.About the Guest:Diane Yarborough is a culture strategist and the founder of Castaway & Company, where she helps leaders and organizations build intentional cultures through leadership coaching, employee experience design, and her transformative Castle Approach to career design. A former Disney executive, Diane has helped create leadership programs, opened Disney’s Castaway Cay, and now empowers leaders to dream boldly—and act with purpose.Key Takeaways:The Castle Approach helps individuals rediscover their dreams and design purposeful careers.Authentic leadership requires courage, consistency, and culture that supports growth.Rethinking, re-recruiting, and retaining talent is the new framework for employee experience.Introverts and quiet leaders must be intentionally engaged and empowered to thrive.Every organization, regardless of industry, can implement Disney-like magic through clarity, communication, and care.Connect with Diane Yarborough:Website: www.castawayandcompany.comCastle Workshops: www.seriousdreaming.comWant to be a guest on BizBlend?DM on PodMatch → DM Me HereSubscribe to the Newsletter → SubscribeJoin the Community → Join NowStay Tuned and Follow Us:YouTube – Healthy Mind-Healthy LifeInstagram – @podhealth.clubThreads – @podhealth.clubFacebook – Healthy Mind PodcastLinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty#podmatch #bizblend #dianeyarborough #disneyleadership #workplaceculture #careerdesign #leadershipdevelopment #castleapproach #healthymindbyavik #wellness #startuplife #corporateleadership

From Kitchen Table to PR Powerhouse with Aquila Mendez Valdez: Building Bold Brands & Empowering Women

In this powerful episode of BizBlend , Sana sits down with Aquila Mendez Valdez, the visionary founder of Haute in Texas—a PR and marketing agency that began with a laptop and a dream, and has now worked with iconic names like Vogue, Prada, and Lincoln. Aquila shares her journey of launching a business while raising two young children, scaling to a six-figure agency, and pioneering a franchise model that empowers women to build their own empires.Aquila opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, breaking into a saturated PR industry, battling limiting beliefs, and leading with authenticity. Whether you’re building your first brand or thinking of franchising your business, Aquila’s wisdom will spark your ambition.About the Guest:Aquila Mendez Valdez is the founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, a boutique PR and marketing agency known for its bold creativity and results-driven approach. With over a decade of experience and features in Forbes, The Telegraph UK, and more, Aquila has carved out a space for women to thrive in business. Her franchise model offers other women the tools and structure to launch PR agencies rooted in local market expertise and a powerful support system.Key Takeaways:Building a six-figure agency while raising children is possible—with clarity, community, and resilience.Taking unpaid opportunities early in your career can lead to unexpected growth and expertise.Creating culture intentionally is essential as you scale your team and business.The franchise model can be a bold yet impactful way to expand and empower others.Limiting beliefs often hold women back more than external challenges—don’t play small.Saying yes to the right opportunities, even during difficult times, pays off in the long term.Connect with Aquila Mendez Valdez:Website: www.hitpr.comSocial: @hauteintexas (Instagram, LinkedIn, and more)Active on LinkedIn for insights and collaborationsWant to be a guest on BizBlend ?DM on PodMatch → DM Me HereSubscribe to the Newsletter → SubscribeJoin the Community → Join NowStay Tuned and Follow Us:YouTube – Healthy Mind-Healthy LifeInstagram – @podhealth.clubThreads – @podhealth.clubFacebook – Healthy Mind PodcastLinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty#podmatch #bizblend #aquilamendezvaldez #pragency #womeninbusiness #mompreneur #entrepreneurship #healthyhustle #marketing #wellness #healthymindbyavik

The 6 Pillars of Effective Leadership with Jim Carlough — A Blueprint for Leading with Impact

In this insightful episode of BizBlend with Sana, we’re joined by Jim Carlough — seasoned business strategist, speaker, and author of The 6 Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success. With over 30 years of experience building high-performing teams, Jim dives into why leadership is a learned skill, not a trait you're born with. From mentorship and emotional intelligence to the power of humor in tough conversations, Jim shares practical wisdom to help you lead with intention, compassion, and credibility.About the Guest:Jim Carlough is a veteran leader, business mentor, and author known for transforming leadership through a human-first approach. His book, The 6 Pillars of Effective Leadership, outlines a clear and actionable framework—integrity, compassion, empathy, focus, stability, and humor—that applies to anyone in a position of influence, from CEOs to parents. Jim is also a passionate advocate for mentorship and mental wellness in the workplace.Key Takeaways:Leadership is a skill that evolves with mentorship, feedback, and self-awareness.Integrity is the foundation of trust—and without trust, leadership crumbles.Humor, when used wisely, can diffuse tension and foster collaboration.Mentorship is vital—leaders need sounding boards too.Even in high-stress situations, thoughtful decision-making beats reactive orders.Connect with Jim Carlough:Website: www.jimcarlough.comOrder the book or request a signed copy via the contact form.LinkedIn: Search “Jim Carlough” to connect directly.Want to be a guest on BizBlend?DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#leadership #bizblend #jimcarlough #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #mentorship #businesspodcast #healthyMind #podmatch

Reinventing Success: From Llama Farms to $50M Deals – A Conversation with Stacie Shifflett

In this powerhouse episode of BizBlend, host Sana is joined by Stacie Shifflett—serial entrepreneur, former construction company CEO, and founder of Modern Consciousness. Stacie dives deep into what it really means to take control of your business—and your life—while staying aligned with your values. From navigating a $50M acquisition to building 4-story buildings without a construction background, Stacie’s story is a masterclass in intentional leadership and authentic reinvention.She shares how business owners can recognize when they’re operating on autopilot, why trusting your team is essential, and how clarity and self-awareness fuel both personal fulfillment and company success. Plus, hear how she walked away from a lucrative business for peace—and why her entire team stayed loyal through the shutdown. This is one conversation every entrepreneur needs to hear.About the Guest:Stacie Shifflett is the founder of Modern Consciousness, where she guides entrepreneurs to break free from old patterns and build conscious businesses rooted in self-awareness and purpose. With a background spanning hospitality, tech, federal consulting, and construction, Stacie brings a rare blend of intuition and strategy to every venture.Key Takeaways:The myth of control in entrepreneurship and the power of letting go.How Stacie scaled and gracefully exited a construction business despite systemic challenges.Identifying autopilot behaviors in business and breaking out with intention.The importance of trusting your inner voice and creating a company culture rooted in respect and loyalty.Why personal values should always guide professional decisions.Connect with Stacie Shifflett:Website: www.modernconsciousness.comEmail: empower@aware.lifeFree Resources: Charting Your Treasure Map to Joy – A workbook to help you manage emotional triggers Self-Sabotage Quiz – Identify what's holding you backWant to be a guest on BizBlend?DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness