As kids we probably all heard it at one time or another, and as adults we surely say it to our own children if we have them: “What do you want to be when you grow up? You can be anything you want!” Some little kids have pretty predictable dreams of being a doctor or a teacher, but some kids dream really, really big. They want to grow up to be explorers, superheroes—or even kangaroos and lions.

Fiona Smart, a classically trained singer and songwriter, is the author of the song and accompanying book, I Can Be a Superhero. Written about and for her first daughter, Fiona wanted to encourage kids to use their imaginations, dream as big as they possibly can for their futures, and foster a love of reading in families.

Follow along as Fiona shares how she transitioned from late-night jazz singer to children’s book author, the in’s and out’s of the publishing world, and what it’s like pursuing her passions from home as a mother of three.

In This Episode

• Why creative pursuits require a strong support system
• The rewards of having children as your number one audience
• How to keep an eye on your personal passions
• Fiona’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
  
  

Quotes in This Episode

“We read all the time… It’s really important I think.” —Fiona Smart

“I think we all wish there were more hours in the day to achieve the things we would love to.” —Fiona Smart

“If I feel like I need to re-energize and I’m feeling a bit lackluster, I find just a bit of yoga and pilates really help… If I’m feeling tired, the best thing I can do is exercise.” —Fiona Smart

“You have to focus on yourself as well and do things you love.” —Fiona Smart

“If you’ve got a passion, a dream, a vision, just go for it!” —Fiona Smart

Resources

Fiona Smart Books
”I Can Be a Superhero” Version One and Version Two
Fiona Smart on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Have you ever felt really run down to the point where you aren’t feeling like yourself? (In fact, you don’t even feel healthy.) Who do you turn to when you’re facing this level of burnout? Many professionals feel they have to face exhaustion alone—but that’s not the case.

Paula Davis-Laack is a former lawyer turned burnout expert. As CEO of The Stress and Resilience Institute, she coaches everyone from CEOs to drill sergeants on how to manage stress in high-profile jobs. You can also see her work and get her advice in The Huffington Post, Forbes, Psychology Today, and Fast Company.

Tune into this episode as Paula explains how she’s working to normalize the experience of burnout and help entrepreneurs, doctors, and other professionals across the country manage the stress of their lives a little better.

In This Episode

• The three warning signs of burnout
• Why a lot of people try to cover up their exhaustion or overwhelming feelings
• The positive trade-off that comes from entrepreneurial stress
• The formula for ending each day on a positive note
• Simple strategies for decreasing stress and boosting feel-good vibes
  
  

Quotes in This Episode

“We should have some stress in our lives, both at work and at home. The trick is: are we managing it well?” —Paula Davis-Laack

“There’s a lot of stress that goes with owning your own business… When you’re the one responsible for making all the decisions, there is no day off. There’s no off button.” —Paula Davis-Laack

“Sometimes resilience is just muddling through. Sometimes it’s just putting one foot in front of the other and making it through the day—and that is a success.” —Paula Davis-Laack

“Trying to tap into [the things that give me energy] really helps to balance the tough days. And wine. I’m not going to lie, a glass of wine here or there helps a lot!” —Paula Davis-Laack

“Ask yourself: where do I have a measure of control, influence, or leverage in this situation? We spend so much time, energy, and emotion on trying to fix or change things that aren’t fixable or changeable.” —Paula Davis-Laack

Resources

Stress and Resilience
Strong: Stress Relief Strategies When You Have 10 Minutes or Less

Is your current career what you’ve always wanted to do? Maybe you’re living the dream, doing the job you first picked out for yourself in kindergarten. Or, maybe it’s a career you fell in love with later in life. Or, it’s entirely possible you’d like to pursue something that your current career doesn’t provide: a better work/life balance or a sense of autonomy—or even the chance to be in charge of your own destiny.

After working as a CPA and later a CFO, today’s guest is a thriving entrepreneur who owns 1,300 franchises. Shirin Behzadi is the CEO of Home Franchise Concepts, and its three direct-to-consumer brands Budget Blinds, Tailored Living, and Concrete Craft. She made the switch after deciding she wanted to pursue a career that gave her more freedom.

Grab your headphones and follow along as Shirin shares how she created an environment that she knew she herself could thrive in, one for enterprising individuals looking for a better work/life balance, who want to be in charge of their own career, and ultimately, realize their full potential.

In This Episode

• The formula for astronomical success in franchising
• Why women and millennials are getting excited about franchising
• How to identify when you’re ready to overcome your fears and launch a new career
• The importance of maintaining the essence of family—at scale
• When to trust your gut and when to seek the advice of others

Quotes in This Episode

“What is the best formula? How do we put systems and programs in place that would fit pretty much anybody who wants to own their own business? It took us a few years!” —Shirin Behzadi

“We provide the opportunity for an individual who wants to own his or her own destiny.” —Shirin Behzadi

“We all have something that’s unique about us… At the end of the day, in order to really bring out your brilliance, you have to give it a chance.” —Shirin Behzadi

“[I define success by asking] ‘Did I do the right thing? Did I do right by people? And, ‘Did I leave them in the best possible place to the best of my ability?’” —Shirin Behzadi

“Fear at some points in life may be useful (when a tiger is attacking you). But when it comes to taking charge of your life, you might want to consider that maybe fear is more uncomfortableness. It’s important to put it in context.” —Shirin Behzadi

Resources

Home Franchise Concepts

Budget Blinds

Tailored Living

Concrete Craft

Home Franchise Concepts on Facebook and LinkedIn