エピソード

  • Boosting Your Short-Term Rental Revenue Through Visual Storytelling With Liz Lyons
    2025/05/20
    Want to boost your Airbnb bookings and stand out in a crowded short-term rental market? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood Podcast, I’m joined by Liz Lyons—an expert in short-term rental photography who knows exactly how to turn a listing into a scroll-stopper. With her deep hospitality roots and a creative eye that knows what converts, Liz breaks down how high-quality, professional photos can dramatically increase your occupancy rates and revenue. We explore how to turn your Airbnb or vacation rental into a booking magnet through visual storytelling—because it’s not just about snapping pretty pictures. It’s about showcasing the experience guests can expect and highlighting the unique features that make your property unforgettable. From lighting and angles to staging tips and must-have hero shots, Liz shares the insider secrets every host needs to know to attract the right guests—and get them to click “Book Now” faster than ever. If you're ready to elevate your short-term rental listing and create visuals that sell your stay before guests even arrive, don’t miss this game-changing conversation. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:18] A short introduction about our guest Liz Lyons and how she ventured in the world of the hospitality industry [05:35] Liz’s perspective on how photography serves as a marketing tool to attract your ideal guest [07:55] Liz shares how to vet the right photographer for short-term rentals to align with your style and creative vision [12:31] Liz’s insights on using outside photo inspiration that aren't within the photographer’s portfolio [14:20] What are the must-have shots every short-term rental needs to create a wow factor [17:57] What are the key things to prepare for when your photographer shows up to ensure that the space is ready and clutter-free [24:59] Liz's approach to detailed client collaboration to enhance the client-photographer relationship in short-term rental photography [29:59] Liz’s perspective to navigating remote property management and collaborating with photographers to capture the essence of a space in short-term rental photography [32:34] Liz's thoughts on professional photography and iPhone photography [37:47] The importance of high-quality photos to enhance the appeal of short-term rental listings and attract ideal guests [40:17] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “The number one thing that people tend to forget, is that, at the end of the day, your photography really is just a marketing tool.” “Short-term rental photography is becoming such a very kind of niche little industry, because you really have to understand what your marketing and what your client wants to market.” “Your photography is the only way that you have to show people what you have to offer.” “Our responsibility as owners and operators hosts, is to position the property in the best way possible, so that what we want it to do is be a magnet for our ideal guests.” “It's so common for us to be people pleasers. I believe, as a woman, as a wife, as a mom, as a sister, a daughter, that we are okay with setting boundaries and saying no, and saying, you know what, I'm sorry, this doesn't feel right, and that's not easy to do sometimes.” Let’s Connect! Website: strphotography.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    54 分
  • Balancing Life & Business: Time Management Strategies for Short-Term Rental Hosts with Melissa Mondzelewski
    2025/05/13
    What if your weekly calendar was designed to fit your life—and not the other way around? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Melissa Mondzelewski—a powerhouse mom of four, Airbnb host, short-term rental entrepreneur, and master of intentional living. Melissa pulls back the curtain on how she structures her “ideal week”—a flexible, evolving framework that helps her stay grounded in what matters most while managing a thriving Airbnb business, motherhood, and personal growth. From themed workdays to long-term vision planning, Melissa shares the systems and routines that keep her short-term rental business running smoothly without sacrificing her sanity. We dive into how she balances hosting, handles disruptions in her Airbnb operations, and embraces delegation as a key to growth. This isn’t about rigid schedules or perfection—it’s about creating a week that aligns with your life, your business goals, and your values. Whether you’re managing one vacation rental or scaling a portfolio of Airbnbs, Melissa’s approach will inspire you to rethink what balance and productivity look like as a short-term rental host. If you're ready for more alignment, more ease, and more clarity in how you run your Airbnb or short-term rental business (and your life!), this episode is your permission slip to build success your way. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:09] A short introduction about our guest Melissa Mondzelewski and how she got started in the world of short-term rentals [03:44] Melissa talks about how balancing motherhood and business requires constant adjustment and shares that her “ideal week” evolves regularly [05:03] Melissa’s ideal week concept and how it evolved from managing a busy family schedule to setting firm personal and family priorities first [08:29] Melissa share her experience and approach to navigating disruptions and prioritizing family over business during a crisis [11:27] Melissa share her weekly planning tools and strategies for family and business balance [16:31] Melissa’s advice for non-planners highlights how planning helps manage stress and progress toward goals [23:19] How Melissa manages guest communications for her four properties and the importance of delegation [29:03] How Melissa structures her workweek to keep herself on track and productive [32:56] Melissa shares how she structures her workdays, incorporating creative time and flexibility [36:48] How Melissa handles the unpredictability of her schedule and the importance of avoiding overwhelm [42:12] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “There are certain things that I just won't compromise on. I won't compromise on my kids schedule. I won't compromise on my workouts. I won't compromise, doing family stuff. So when I create my ideal week, all of that goes into my week first, then I put the business stuff in.” “I think you really need to have that five year vision of where you want to go. And if you don't have that five year vision, you're never going to get there.” “I think those priorities come front and center, and they're always there to remind us, hey, I have a business. I love my business, but my family comes first.” “Be true to yourself and your values; find your why and just stick to it.” “Talk to yourself like you would your best friend.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! Website: https://www.stylishstay.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    52 分
  • Business Growth Without Sacrifice: How Carrie Drier Scaled Her STR Business While Staying True to Herself
    2025/05/06
    What does it really take to build a thriving Airbnb or short-term rental business—without burning out or sacrificing what matters most? In this game-changing episode of The STR Sisterhood Podcast, I sit down with Carrie Drier, a Northern Michigan entrepreneur who has successfully scaled her short-term rental portfolio while staying true to her peace, her personal life, and her core values. Carrie pulls back the curtain on her real, unfiltered journey of growing a profitable Airbnb and vacation rental business with purpose and intention—proving that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. Inside this episode, we dive into: Carrie’s early days as a real estate investor and Airbnb host How embracing uncertainty led to both purpose and profit The mindset shifts that helped her overcome fear and take bold action The systems and strategies she uses to scale her short-term rental business—without losing the personal touch that sets her apart The hard lessons she learned about managing expectations (especially her own!) If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your Airbnb or vacation rental business your way—aligned with your values and vision for life—this episode is your permission slip to make it happen. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:11] A short introduction about our guest Carrie Drier and what inspired her to dive into short term rentals [03:27] Carrie reflects on her initial thoughts when her husband suggested they move to Traverse City and become real estate investors [08:45] Carrie discusses how she taps into her gut feelings to stay true to herself, prioritizing balance, family, and personal happiness [12:04] Carrie shares how her journey of self-discovery taught her it's okay to pivot, embrace discomfort, and stay true to her desires, creating an authentic life despite others' perceptions of failure [18:35] What are Carrie's game-changing systems for scaling her portfolio while maintaining a personal touch [24:11] Carrie shares how creating distance from her work helped her to break free from the limiting belief around pricing [31:03] Carrie shares her experience navigating the challenges of building a team while balancing her naturally high expectations with her desire to avoid conflict [35:55] The emotional and logistical consequences of keeping a team member who isn’t the right fit [41:00] The importance of paying yourself, creating separation between personal finances and the business [44:53] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “This is your life, and you need to be living it the way that you want to live it.” “Try, I believe should be removed from everyone's vocabulary, because I feel like it is a dangerous word, because it gives us an excuse for not actually stepping into the person or the human we want to be.” “For me, it has been a learning curve on hiring people, and I think by letting go of the people that I know aren't going to work has been really helpful for me to find the people that do work.” “Whether you have one property, 100 properties, or anything in between, we are operating businesses. And when we make that mindset shift that we have to be the leader of a business, things tend to actually get executed very differently.” “Find the gratitude, find the joy. There's a silver lining in everything. Sometimes it's harder to see that silver lining, especially in the midst of the struggle, but it's often revealed to us only when we're looking for it. This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhoodUse the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roostnorthrentals https://www.instagram.com/carrie.drier/ Website: https://www.roostnorth.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    53 分
  • Profit Smarter: Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Revenue Management Secrets with Jillian & Karin
    2025/04/29
    Are you unknowingly leaving thousands of dollars on the table with your Airbnb or short-term rental listings? In this episode, I sit down with short-term rental revenue management experts Jillian Heilman and Karin Leung to uncover how small pricing and listing tweaks can unlock big profits for Airbnb hosts. We dive deep into key strategies every short-term rental owner needs to know—like optimizing booking windows, avoiding common Airbnb pricing mistakes, and eliminating revenue leaks you may not even realize are happening. Jillian and Karin reveal how they use dynamic pricing tools, create high-performing seasonal rate profiles, and why a reactive pricing approach is causing many Airbnb hosts to miss out on bookings and revenue. But it’s not just about pricing—listing optimization plays a massive role in increasing your Airbnb or short-term rental property’s visibility and profitability. We break down the power of photo placement, keyword-rich descriptions, and how to position your short-term rental to attract high-value guests without slashing your nightly rate. If you’re an Airbnb host or short-term rental investor who’s ready to increase occupancy, boost average nightly rates, and grow your bottom line—this episode is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips to help you master Airbnb revenue management and become a more profitable host. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:59] A short introduction about our guests Jillian Heilmann and Karin Leung, and how they got into managing revenue for owners and hosts of short term rentals [06:05] What is a booking window or lead time, and why is it important for owners and hosts to pay attention to it [10:09] The strategic use of discounts based on where you are within your average booking window [14:18] Jllian and Karin’s thoughts on how often should someone continue to inch their prices down [19:20] The seasonal profile approach and why they are so important to have at a more granular level than just the four seasons of the year [23:45] What is the best approach or recommendation to pricing for those far-out bookings [29:08] The declining daily rates in saturated short-term rental markets and how to monitor them using market data tools [31:11] Staying competitive in saturated markets without dropping prices [33:44] The importance of comprehensive listing optimization and captions for each photo to enhance the guest experience [36:24] Karin and Jillian’s words of wisdom for hosts to get started and get comfortable with managing their revenue [39:59] The value of outsourcing tasks in your business that you don't enjoy to focus on what you excel at and love doing [41:42] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “It's really important that you understand where your market is and where people are and how people are booking within that lead time. So if your booking window has really shortened, you’ve got to make sure that your pricing is right in line.” “If a week or two goes by and you don't have any activity, then you know that something needs to happen in your pricing to move the needle. So the longer you wait, you know the more negative impact can happen.” “Keep your prices competitive enough that if you were to get that booking a year out or three months out, you're still happy with it.” “I would not recommend utilizing any pricing optimization through any of the OTAs, because a lot of times they're pricing for the benefit of getting as many bookings as possible, which means, not necessarily maximum revenue.” “Think about what you enjoy doing and the value of your time leading your business.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! Website: stepbystepbnb.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    57 分
  • Running an Airbnb Business After Loss: Sharon Pace’s Story of Resilience
    2025/04/22
    Can a single moment shift everything — not just in business, but in life? In this profoundly moving episode, I sit down with Sharon Pace, a resilient real estate investor whose world was turned upside down after the loss of her husband. What followed was a journey of deep grief, unexpected strength, and an unwavering commitment to continue the life and business they had built together. Sharon opens up about stepping into unfamiliar territory—taking over their short-term rental business, learning new systems, and facing daily challenges—while processing unimaginable loss. But her turning point came at the LIVE BIG Beach Retreat, where community, mindset shifts, and emotional support sparked her healing and helped her rediscover purpose in her work. We talk about the realities no one prepares for: how to plan ahead as a couple, the unpredictable waves of grief, and the power of saying yes to growth even when you feel anything but ready. Sharon’s story is filled with vulnerability, courage, and wisdom—reminding us that in the darkest seasons, support and intention can light the path forward. Whether you're building a business with your partner, navigating solo entrepreneurship, or simply searching for strength during life’s toughest moments, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep going—and to believe in what’s possible! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:03] A short introduction about our guest Sharon Pace and how she got started with short-term rentals space [03:05] Sharon shares the deeply personal story of her husband's prolonged health battles and how it became the catalyst for her to start their investment journey [11:22] Sharon shares how she took over their short-term rental business from her husband, navigating the challenges with support from friends and a supportive community [17:35] Sharon reflects on the importance of planning ahead to ease the burden on the surviving spouse and emphasizes the value of legal, financial, and tech support to avoid extra stress [21:05] How a pivotal mindset shift occurred when Sharon attended Live Big Retreat, which became a turning point in her healing process [25:27] Sharon talks about how grief is unpredictable and emphasizes the power of supportive groups as essential pillars in her healing [28:43] Sharon shares that after going through deep personal loss, she’s become intentional about only keeping supportive, positive people in her life and business [31:27] How Sharon approached learning new things even when she didn't feel ready [33:53] Sharon’s advice for someone who may be starting out on their short term rental journey and maybe doing this solo or with their spouse [37:23] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “I would say that to anyone out there, oh, have a will, have a trust, do all these things, put everything in order, make sure your properties are in the right LLC, or if they're in a personal name, the beneficiary is listed out because it's so much work on the surviving spouse to have to figure all this out.” “Your network really is your net worth, honestly, but not only in the real estate realm, but also friendship.” “Find a real estate agent who has their own short term rentals that knows the industry inside and out.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkaypace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.d.pace Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    46 分
  • From Corporate Sales to Hospitality Empire: How Dawn Cornett Created a Life She Loves
    2025/04/15
    Are you ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and build a life that truly lights you up? In this episode, I sit down with Dawn Cornett, a powerhouse entrepreneur who left cybersecurity sales to create a thriving short-term rental and boutique hotel empire. Her journey is a testament to the power of intentional living, mentorship, and bold decision-making. Dawn didn’t do it alone — her story proves that surrounding yourself with the right people can transform your business and unlock opportunities you never imagined. We dive into the key strategies behind her rapid success—hiring and team-building, scaling smartly, and investing with intention. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your corporate job or looking to grow your hospitality business, this episode is packed with game-changing insights to help you take bold steps toward your own success. Don't miss this conversation—it might just change the way you think about your future! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:00] A short introduction about our guest Dawn Cornett and how she got into the short term rental world [04:30] How Dawn expanded from a single lake house to boutique hotels and retreat centers while staying connected to family [05:45] Dawn emphasizes investing with intention, choosing locations based on personal connections, lifestyle, and long-term vision [07:03] Dawn shares how she navigates uncertainty in her journey [07:56] What made Dawn choose to transition in asset classes from single family homes into boutique hotels [09:28] Dawn shares her journey in expanding her boutique hotel portfolio and her transition into managing and investing in boutique hotels [11:25] The challenges and differences Dawn encountered when transitioning from managing single-family homes to managing boutique hotels [12:35] Dawn shares her approach to finding and retaining loyal cleaning staff for her boutique hotels and the importance of values-based hiring and building a family-like team culture [17:48] What has been one of the biggest challenges Dawn navigated throughout her journey, and how did she deal with that challenge [19:02] Dawn shares an experience of struggling to separate from a challenging client who managed six properties [20:42] Dawn shares the personal and professional decision to separate from her W2 job [23:07] Dawn offers advice to those considering co-hosting boutique hotels or larger retreat centers [24:19] The importance of being intentional about what excites you and pursuing personal and spiritual growth [25:50] Dawn shares her daily routine, which includes meditation, gratitude practice, and self-care [28:56] Dawn's next piece of advice for someone starting out in the boutique hotel world [32:22] The lightning round [39:45] How Dawn vets her potential partners Golden Nuggets: “If you want to go fast, do it alone. If you want to go far, do it with others. Take secret shortcuts from people who have done it before.” “We're going to be in flow better if we do things that get us excited.” “You absolutely have to vet your partners like you're marrying them.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HospitalityHustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnofagreatday/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    47 分
  • From Dental Hygienist to STR Powerhouse: Denise Vaughn’s Success Secrets
    2025/04/08
    Have you ever dreamed of leaving your 9-to-5 and building a thriving business in short-term rentals? In this episode, I’m joined by Denise Vaughn, a dynamic entrepreneur who made the bold leap from dental hygienist to short-term rental powerhouse. From avoiding costly mistakes to mastering guest satisfaction, Denise reveals the key strategies that set top-performing hosts apart. She breaks down how small but impactful changes—like fresh decor and a well-stocked inventory—can significantly boost bookings and revenue. But it’s not just about properties—Denise dives into the power of team-building, sharing how she built a strong, cohesive team that aligns with her business values. Her insights on leadership and operations will transform how you approach property management and help you create a sustainable, profitable business. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Denise’s journey and expertise will leave you inspired and equipped to elevate your short-term rental game. Tune in now to discover the game-changing strategies that can turn your rental properties into your most profitable venture! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:56] A short introduction about our guest Denise Vaughn and her transition from being a dental hygienist to a short-term rental investor [05:53] Denise shares her experience as a dental hygienist with some celebrities [07:06] What are the biggest mistakes that investors make when it comes to the upkeep of their property [12:07] Denise’ recommendations for maintaining properties to ensure cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and prompt upkeep to prevent issues from impacting bookings or reviews [16:27] The importance of a mix of owner involvement and structured checklists for regular property maintenance to ensure guest satisfaction and address wear and tear [22:28] The importance of sharing listing photos with cleaners and inspectors to ensure consistency and help track missing or misplaced items [26:56] Denise shares a memorable experience where she walked into a property that was essentially a "grandma's house" and not at all ready for rental [31:05] How Denise manages unrealistic expectations from investors [34:53] How Denise found success in hiring her ideal team members and emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values for long-term, sustainable working relationships [38:17] The importance of placing team members in the right roles by assessing their strengths, interests, and growth [39:48] What does “being the best leader for your team” mean to Denise [41:32] How Denise develops her leadership skills and empowers herself and others alongside her husband [45:54] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “One of the things that I feel is so important for property owners, obviously, during a turnover, to make sure that anything that's missing or damaged is reported immediately.” “We're all a team, so that's really important to me, as we're a team and we all make mistakes. Mistakes are only lessons that we get to learn from.” “I hire and fire by my core values, first and foremost… We can always teach skills, but when we don't have people that are aligned with our values, it makes having a long term sustainable relationship, from a work perspective, very difficult.” “Being the best leader means that we are empowering our team to do their best job, and we're removing roadblocks for our team.” “You have to stay passionate. If you don't have something in life to be passionate about, you're not going to have a great life.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! Website: denisevaughnconcierge.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082129156466 Instagram: https://instagram.com/denisevaughnconcierge Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    55 分
  • From Local to Global: How Nikki Stoddart is Expanding Her Short-Term Rental Empire to France
    2025/04/01
    Dreaming of expanding your short-term rental portfolio overseas? In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Stoddart, a seasoned Airbnb host and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience. Nikki opens up about how she built a thriving portfolio of short-term rental properties across the U.S. and is now taking her business global with an exciting expansion into France. She shares the highs and lows of scaling her business, forming successful partnerships, and navigating the complexities of international real estate. Nikki reveals her strategies for finding the right business partners, effectively delegating with her virtual assistant team, and discovering lucrative overseas markets like the French Alps. Plus, she dives into the real estate process and financing differences between France and the U.S., giving you insider tips on how to make it all work. If you're ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level—or even across borders—this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to fuel your next big move! Tune in and get ready to think bigger and bolder with your investments! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:59] A short introduction about our guest Nikki Stoddart and how she started with short-term rental space [03:13] Nikki shares how she discovered the potential of short-term rentals and scaled her business [07:47] Nikki shares how her real estate investment journey evolved, including expanding into new markets and adapting to regulatory changes [12:24] Nikki talks about her experience with business partners and the importance of establishing clear, formal agreements from the start [14:35] Nikki shares her process of building trust and comfort with her business partner [16:59] The importance of partnering with someone who brings more than just financial resources to the table [18:02] Nikki shares her journey of looking beyond the U.S. for new investment opportunities due to the saturated Airbnb market and high property prices post-pandemic [20:39] Nikki describes her process of selecting a property in France to assess potential investment opportunities [23:04] Nikki’s experience with finding and purchasing a property and the challenges of securing financing as an American in France [26:05] The operational challenges that Nikki faced as her property management portfolio grew and how she navigated them [27:31] The benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant to offload tasks that don't align with your strengths or passions. [30:57] Nikki reflects on the challenges and learning curve she faced while learning to delegate effectively [33:48] Nikki talks about how she learned from her past mistake of not thinking big enough and being too scared to grow [36:26] Nikki and Stacey discuss the concept of worry and how it's often unproductive [38:10] Nikki talks about her daughters' interest in interior design, their career paths, and her advice to have passive income through real estate for financial freedom [39:50] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “It's really important to vet your partners, almost like you're going to marry them.” “If you're going to collaborate with a partner, make sure not only roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and documented to your point, have all the paperwork drawn up, make it official. Don't do anything verbally.” “The unspoken thing about having a team of people supporting the operation is peace of mind.” “To start a business, any business, just go for it.” “Listen to your gut and believe people the first time they show you who they really are.” This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠⁠http://stayfi.com/STRSisterhood⁠⁠ Use the code “SISTERHOOD” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Let’s Connect! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-stoddart-6a01074/ Substack: https://substack.com/@nikkistoddart Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    47 分