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 and five core systems that lay the groundwork for growth—without burnout.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Clinician-to-CEO mindset shift: Why many healthcare business owners don't even realize they're running a business—and what needs to change.
• Revenue vs. freedom tension: Why the “more clients = more revenue” model keeps you stuck, and how to shift toward building a real business.
• Avoiding burnout: Kari shares her early mistakes and how better systems can help you avoid working nights, weekends, and during family time.
• The five foundational systems every practice needs:
  • Client scheduling – automate and protect your time and boundaries from day one.
  • Financial tracking – know your numbers and what “enough” looks like for you.
  • Decision-making support – don't grow alone; why finding your community or coach matters.
  • Workflows – get systems out of your head and into repeatable processes.
  • Client education – set expectations early with policies, boundaries, and clear communication.

Download your Free 5-Systems Foundation Checklist and start strengthening the core of your healthcare practice today. Whether you're just starting or already scaling, these essential systems will help you reclaim your time, protect your energy, and set your business up for long-term success.

Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other purpose-driven leaders find this message.

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

DOWNLOAD your checklist for this episode:

5-Systems Foundation Checklist

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 you realize. From high blood pressure and fractured relationships to poor business decisions and burnout, Kari reveals the hidden cost of operating in overdrive—and the extraordinary rewards of slowing down.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the urge to hustle harder is a lie
• What slow leadership really looks like—and why it works
• Personal consequences Kari faced from living in constant overdrive
• How presence, curiosity, and better decision-making stem from intentional space
• Signs you may be experiencing “speed creep” in your business and life
• Why slow doesn’t mean less profitable (and real client stories to prove it)
• The neuroscience behind slowing down and heightened awareness
• How simplifying your offerings and systems can increase impact and profit
• 5 powerful coaching questions to reclaim space and sustainability in your work

If this episode resonated with you—or made you think of a friend or fellow business owner who’s running on fumes—please share it. Help us build a community of sustainable, values-driven businesses that thrive in the long term.

Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other purpose-driven leaders find this message.

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

DOWNLOAD your workbook for this episode:

The Power of Slow Leadership Workbook

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, we need them to step forward. If you’ve ever felt too quiet to lead or worried your impact isn’t big enough, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What defines a quiet leader and why their presence matters
• The 5 key superpowers of quiet leaders:

1. Deep Listening – noticing tone, breath, and emotion
2. Thoughtful Decision-Making – taking time to consider long-term impact
3. Steady Energy – being a calming, predictable presence
4. Empathetic Relationship Building – connecting without an agenda
5. Long-Term Vision – prioritizing sustainable impact over immediate gains

• Common challenges quiet leaders face (like being underestimated or pressured to "speak louder")
• A powerful message of encouragement: Be visible where it matters most.

If this episode speaks to you—or reminds you of someone who needs to hear it—share it. Tag a quiet leader and let them know their voice matters. And if you’re ready to deepen your leadership journey, join us in the Anchored Leadership Academy.

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

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 the Pomodoro Technique and Kari’s favorite old-school file folders.
• Digital Declutter: Simple steps to clean your inbox, delete old Zoom files, organize Google Drive and Dropbox, and cancel unused software subscriptions.
• Time Clean-Up: Identifying leaks in your calendar, letting go of outdated commitments, and prioritizing your most profitable and fulfilling tasks.
• Energetic Reset: Kari shares how aligning with seasonal rhythms and her own renewed energy helps fuel creativity and progress in business.

Get the Spring Cleaning Your Business Checklist

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

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 what’s changed
• Why thoughts of quitting aren’t always a red flag—they might be a call for change
• The difference between burnout and being misaligned with your current role
• How to examine your financial, emotional, and energy needs honestly
• The path from overwhelm to reigniting your passion through leadership

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

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 Anchored Leadership Academy and personal anecdotes that underline the importance of transitioning from a solopreneur to a leader.

Topics Covered:

• Identifying and overcoming fears in leadership
• Insights into the Anchored Leadership Academy
• Moving toward confidence as a leader
• Personal journey from solopreneur to leader
• The importance of making decisions and learning from the data
• Transitioning from doing to leading
• Leave a legacy in your community

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien
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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:

1. Impact of Automation: How automation saves time and allows business owners to focus on core activities.
2. Mindset Shifts Required for Automation: Overcoming the notion that automation is impersonal, expensive and only for larger businesses.
3. Practical Automation Tools: Detailed discussion on essential tools like CRMs, email marketing platforms, scheduling software, and project management systems.
4. Real-Life Examples: Kari shares her personal journey and the transformations she witnessed by integrating automation tools in her business practices.

Episode Highlights:

• Grandma Lacey's Story: Inspiration drawn from her longevity and adaptation to technological changes.
• Automation Benefits: Focused on how automation has helped Kari reclaim time and enhance her business operations.
• Tool Recommendations: Insights into specific tools and software that can streamline various business processes.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Anchored Leadership Academy

Flodesk Email Marketing Software - Code for 50% off your first year.
ePlatform - scheduling, CRM, virtual receptionist - Mention this podcast

Kajabi- online course plaform
Asana - www.asana.com

Calendly - www.calendly.com

*Some of the above links are from affiliation programs. I have personal experience with all of these programs and can attest to the benefits of every single one.

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

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 differentiate themselves in a competitive market and avoid common branding mistakes. Katie also shares a valuable gift with the audience for a free 30-minute brand assessment.

Key Points covered in this episode :

• Katie's Early Passion for Design
• Understanding Modern Branding
• The Pitfalls of DIY Design
• The Importance of Unique Branding - don’t be confused for your competition
• Common Branding Mistakes
• Literal vs. Conceptual Branding
• Targeting the Right Audience
• Luxury Branding Misconceptions
• The Role of Branding in Business Success
• Branding as a Business Tool
• Free Brand Assessment Offer

Connect with Katie Dooley:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website: www.paperlime.ca
• Free Brand Assessment - add Be the Anchor to the form to let Katie know you heard her here

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• LinkedIn: Kari Lotzien