Welcome back to The Power Lounge. Today, host Amy Vaughn welcomes Kate Reed, partner at Project 300 and a dedicated advocate for working mothers. Kate’s career journey spans from an English major at the University of Cincinnati to roles in nonprofit arts, commercial printing, leadership development, and pediatric healthcare—all while raising three children, including surprise twins.

Amy and Kate explore the challenges of balancing a successful career with family responsibilities, addressing how the term "stay-at-home mom" often overlooks the significant contributions and workload involved in parenting. Kate shares her experiences managing the logistical and emotional demands of motherhood, the financial strain of childcare, and how she redefined success on her own terms. From fitting work into nap times to leading an agency built on flexibility and trust, Kate demonstrates how working moms can achieve both personal fulfillment and professional ambition.

Kate Reed's story proves that women can define success without compromising their family life, offering valuable insights for those looking to integrate business and motherhood effectively.

Bonus: Kate is a two-time Eras Tour attendee and can name nearly any Taylor Swift song in five notes or less.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - "Empowering Working Moms Discussion"
04:00 - "Valuing Stay-at-Home Parents' Work"
07:44 - Prioritizing Family Over Career
11:30 - Gender Roles and Housework Disparity
15:26 - Juggling Work and Parenting Joyfully
17:24 - Parenting: Balancing Work and Family
19:41 - Project 300: Expanding Creative Support
22:41 - Rising Gig Economy Trends
27:10 - Daycare Costs Stun Working Parents
30:47 - Hedonic Adaptation and Life's Pressures
35:06 - "Early Career Pivot to Leadership"
38:15 - Embracing Reinvention and Skills Confidence
39:01 - "Cumulative, Transferable Skills Recognition"
44:09 - "It Takes a Village"
48:20 - Community Support for Working Parents
49:04 - "Titles Are Overrated"
55:07 - Finding Personal Space Working Home
56:37 - Prioritizing Self-Care for Parenthood
01:00:01 - Join, Listen, and Grow
01:00:24 - Outro

Quotes:
"Being a mom doesn't define you. Embrace change, redefine success, and continually reinvent to discover what truly fulfills you."- Kate Reed

"Prioritize presence and your values over titles. Your time and authenticity are your greatest gifts."- Amy Vaughn

Key Takeaways:
There’s No “Just” About Stay-at-Home Moms
Career Ambitions Can Evolve (and That’s Okay!)
Success Begins with Redefining Growth
The Power of a Nonagency Agency
Math Matters: Childcare Isn’t Cheap
Reinvention and Transferable Skills
Your Community is Your Superpower
Letting Go of the Guilt (and the Judgment)
Take the Leap—Nothing Is Permanent
Modeling Possibility for the Next Generation

Connect with Kate Reed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katereedpm/
Website: https://www.project300.co/

Check out PROJECT 300:
PROJECT 300 Website: https://www.project300.co/
PROJECT 300 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-300-llc
PROJECT 300 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project300llc/
The Motherload, by Sarah Hoover: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Motherload/Sarah-Hoover/9781668010136

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:

Support the show

Welcome back to The Power Lounge. In "Pin With Purpose," host Amy Vaughn engages with Pinterest marketing strategist Dana Joan Johnson, founder of Styled Pin Collection. Together, they explore how Pinterest can revolutionize strategies for creative entrepreneurs and business owners seeking an alternative to the relentless pace of daily social media posting.

Amy and Dana discuss Pinterest's potential as a visual search engine, emphasizing its ability to generate consistent, high-quality traffic to websites, content, and offerings. Dana shares her transition from the wedding industry to digital marketing, highlighting her dedication to sustainable marketing systems that prevent burnout. If navigating ever-changing social trends feels overwhelming, this episode provides practical strategies and valuable insights.

Tailored for both product-based businesses and service providers, listeners will learn how to repurpose existing content, optimize with effective keywords, and develop a Pinterest strategy that continues to deliver results over time. Additionally, Dana addresses common Pinterest misconceptions and explains the importance of clarity, consistency, and relevance in achieving pinning success.

Dana Johnson brings a unique perspective as a former wedding professional turned educator. Through The Styled Pin Collection, she empowers creative entrepreneurs with strategic, on-brand Pinterest content. By focusing on simplicity and authenticity, Dana helps businesses enhance their visibility and traffic without the constant pressure of daily social media engagement.

Join this conversation to refine your Pinterest strategy and drive meaningful results for your business.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:58 – Pinterest: Beyond Aesthetic Inspiration
04:06 – Pinterest Strategies for Wedding Planning
09:38 – "Timeless Wedding Content Strategy"
11:38 – Educational Content Drives Quality Leads
15:14 – "Maximize Impact Through Repetition"
19:12 – "Unbranded Searches and Content Strategy"
19:53 – Empowering Consumers Through Value
26:24 – Content Refresh and Repurposing
27:49 – Maximizing Pinterest for Existing Content
31:24 – Effective Visual Communication Strategies
35:33 – "Encouragement to Speak at Conferences"
37:26 – Twitter's Marketing Challenge: Unrelated Trends
41:00 – "Year-Round Barbecue Marketing Strategies"
46:08 – "Show Your Face in Marketing"
46:56 – "Upcoming Master Classes Announcement"
49:34 – Outro

Quotes:
"Work smarter—create evergreen content that delivers lasting value."- Amy Vaughan

"Strategy beats hustle. Plant the right seeds to ensure your business grows long after you're done."- Dana Joan Johnson

Key Takeaways:
Pinterest is a Powerful Search Engine, Not Just a Social Platform
Strategic, Sustainable Marketing Beats Social Burnout
Evergreen Content is Your Secret Weapon
Keywords (and Simplicity!) Unlock Pinterest Growth
Repurpose, Schedule, and Simplify
Educate and Empower to Inspire Trust
Measure What Matters: Beyond Impressions
Pinterest’s Future: Visual Search & Year-Round Opportunity

Connect with Dana Joan Johnson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-m-johnson/
Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

Check out PROJECT 300:

PROJECT 300 Website: https://www.project300.co/

PROJECT 300 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-300-llc

PROJECT 300 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project300llc/

Support the show

Welcome to The Power Lounge. Host Amy Vaughan speaks with Deanna Behrens, VML’s Director of Media and Strategy and a leader in retail media. Deanna has launched strategies across seven major retailers, shaping the future of the industry.

Together, Amy and Deanna explore how brands and retailers are transforming consumer connections through data-driven, consumer-focused methods and technologies like QR codes and AI. Deanna shares her journey from traditional media to the dynamic field of retail, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation.

This episode offers valuable insights for marketers, business owners, and anyone interested in the future of commerce, providing practical advice and real-world examples to thrive in today’s retail landscape. Tune in to The Power Lounge to learn from Deanna’s expertise and industry perspectives.

Deanna Behrens is a marketing strategist with extensive experience in the consumer-packaged goods sector. As Director of Media and Strategy, she leads marketing initiatives that drive results, focusing on commerce intelligence for retail media across seven leading retailers. Deanna is dedicated to empowering teams and advancing the future of retail media.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:10 - Retail Media Strategy Insights
04:15 - Agility in Retail Media Evolution
07:23 - Unplanned Purchases via Impulse Marketing
11:16 - "Brand Visibility Over Awareness"
13:10 - Brand Authenticity Foundations
19:40 - "DTC Impact on Retail Strategy"
20:35 - "D2C Innovation vs. Brand Caution"
25:01 - Consistent Branding Across Retailers
27:56 - "Adapting Media Math for ROAS"
32:16 - Ad Spend Evaluation Challenges
33:05 - Aiming for Standardized Metrics
38:27 - Leveraging Data and AI Insights
42:41 - Purchase Influence Through Repeated Exposure
43:14 - Marketing Synergy Across Retail Channels
48:48 - Marketing Support Podcast for Small Businesses
50:35 - Aligning First Party and RMN Data
53:16 - Evolving Media Strategies
56:32 - Shopper Marketing Resources
59:01 - Community Support Advantage
01:00:41 - Outro

Quotes:
"Create opportunities when you can. Often, we doubt our potential, but embracing uncertainty leads to growth and magic."- Amy Vaughan

"Stay agile and curious. Embrace ambiguity and new challenges to unlock possibilities and drive innovation."-Deanna Behrens

Key Takeaways:
Embrace Agility and Curiosity
Consumer-Centric is Non-Negotiable
Partnerships Are Evolving
Test, Learn, and Innovate—Continuously
Data Is Your Power Tool (But Ask the Right Questions)
Brand Consistency, Local Nuance
Small Brands, Big Potential
Lifelong Learning & Community

Connect with Deanna Behrens:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/deannabehrens
Website:https://www.vml.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitinghttps://togetherindigital.com

Support the show

Welcome to The Power Lounge, where women leaders in the digital realm share their expertise. In today’s episode, “Getting Started with Gen AI,” host Amy Vaughn, chief empowerment officer of Together Digital, converses with Lexi Trimpe, Director of Digital and AI at Franco and Detroit chapter ambassador.

Lexi leverages her background in journalism and digital strategy to navigate the evolving landscape of generative AI. She provides actionable insights on building human-centered AI strategies, ethical considerations, tool selection, and promoting education over fear. Her guidance is valuable for both AI newcomers and professionals looking to enhance their organizations.

At Franco, Lexi leads digital strategy for B2B, automotive, and SaaS clients while spearheading the AI adoption task force. A former journalist with contributions to Eater Detroit, Thrillist, and Hour Detroit, Lexi blends storytelling with data-driven approaches, fueled by her passion for technology since her first Gateway computer.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - Digital Obsession Rooted in 1999
03:08 - Curiosity Driving Digital Journalism Shift
08:54 - "Embracing AI: A Tool, Not Fear"
10:03 - "Choosing the Right Tools Wisely"
14:17 - Start with Needs, Not Tools
16:00 - "AI Task Force: Becoming the Magician"
20:35 - AI Reveals Bad Marketers
23:06 - Embracing Mistakes to Improve Communication
28:34 - "People-First AI Integration"
31:08 - "Embracing Educational Tools Effectively"
35:24 - AI for Creativity and Everyday Life
38:11 - Healthcare Innovation Excitement
40:16 - AI Manners Debate
44:03 - "Connect and Learn with PowerEdge"
45:10 - Outro

Quotes:
"Education turns fear into empowerment by fostering curiosity and focus."- Amy Vaughan

"Embracing mistakes and continuous learning drives progress in AI and personal growth."- Lexi Trimpe

Key Takeaways:
Curiosity Fuels Innovation
Mindset Over Tools
AI Is Not Magic
Efficiency Before Innovation
Human Touch Is Essential
Ethics Are Practical, Not Just Policy
Inclusion Drives Adoption
Everyday Life Hack
Embrace the Imagination Age

Connect with Lexi Trimpe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-trimpe/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-trimpe/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-trimpe/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitinghttps://togetherindigital.com

Support the show

Welcome to the Power Lounge. In this episode, host Amy Vaughan speaks with Deesha Dyer, a seasoned social impact strategist, author, and leader whose career journey spans from community college to serving as White House Social Secretary under President Obama. Deesha discusses her experiences navigating unconventional paths to leadership, building authentic confidence, and transforming imposter syndrome into empowerment.

Amy and Deesha explore the challenges of being a pioneer in traditional environments like the White House and share practical strategies for maintaining authenticity under pressure. They also delve into Deesha's book, "Undiplomatic," which offers guidance on elevating untapped talent and fostering genuine equity and inclusion within organizations.

This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone striving to advance in their career, make a meaningful impact in their community, or seek authenticity in their professional life. Learn why true leadership comes from within, how to dismantle barriers to diverse leadership, and why your unique journey can be your greatest strength.

Deesha Dyer is a social impact strategist and author of "Undiplomatic." Her path from community college to White House Social Secretary exemplifies the power of nontraditional leadership. As the founder of Hook & Fasten, Deesha helps organizations navigate the evolving landscape of leadership, social impact, and equity, focusing on empowering untapped talent.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - Ongoing Leadership Journey
04:54 - Oval Office Imposter Syndrome
07:54 - Nervousness versus Confidence Confusion
10:22 - Staying Grounded Through Experience
14:01 - Authenticity in Tough Environments
16:50 - "Fix Bias Before Hiring Diversity"
21:45 - Champion Women in Hip Hop
25:15 - Corporate-Community Partnerships for Essential Needs
27:40 - Maslow's Hierarchy and Marketing Impact
30:55 - Making Paths Easier for Others
34:37 - Corporate Responsibility for Social Equity
37:26 - Rediscovering Childhood Joys
40:22 - Rethinking Success: Opportunity Over Intelligence
45:05 - Believe in Yourself
47:40 - Navigating Job Posting Uncertainty
49:31 - "Striving vs. Being: A Crisis"
52:42 - "Power Lounge Chat Highlights"
53:03 - Outro

Quotes:
"Believe in your abilities and your talent, even if your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s. You are one of one, and your perspective is needed."- Deesha Dyer

"Celebrate your wins and remember: courage comes after the action, not before. Sometimes being brave is just being afraid and doing it anyway."- Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:
Nontraditional Paths Are Powerful
Confidence Lives Inside You
Imposter Syndrome vs. Authentic Confidence
Be the Example for Others
Rethink Merit and Opportunity
Challenge Harmful Systems, Not Just Individuals
Community and Connection are Anchors
Don’t Wait for Permission
Resilience Means Self-Care and Staying Curious
Legacy is Leaving It Better

Check out Deesha Dye’s book: https://a.co/d/hTd9wqI

Connect with Deesha Dyer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeshadyer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deedyer267/?hl=en
Website: https://www.hookandfasten.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast: https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement

Support the show

Welcome to this week's episode of The Power Lounge. In today's conversation, Amy Vaughan engages with Khara Croswaite Brindle, a financial therapist transforming our understanding of money through the lens of the Enneagram. Khara brings her expertise in psychology and finance to uncover how our personality types shape our financial habits. Throughout the discussion, Khara shares strategies for moving from scarcity to abundance, explores the impact of financial trauma, and offers actionable insights for anyone aiming to enhance their financial mindset. Whether you're well-versed in the Enneagram or exploring it for the first time, this episode provides valuable perspectives to help you rethink and manage your finances effectively.

Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT, is a licensed mental health and financial therapist based in Colorado. As a TEDx Speaker, author, and consultant, Khara specializes in assisting therapists and financial professionals in transforming challenges into opportunities through her consultations, courses, and supervision. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she draws inspiration from outdoor walks and time spent near water. Outside of her professional endeavors, Khara enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, reading, and savoring gluten-free desserts with her family.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introductuion
02:20 - Revolutionizing Financial Mindsets
05:38 - "Exploring Financial Therapy Benefits"
06:42 - Financial Therapy: Merging Money and Mental Health
09:50 - Enneagram Nines' Financial Growth
12:30 - Understanding Enneagram for Better Relationships
18:27 - Money Scripts and Avoidance Beliefs
22:08 - Enneagram's Impact on Behavior Patterns
24:38 - Noble Poverty and Wealth Perception
26:46 - Balancing Workplace Help and Boundaries
30:55 - Stay Steady with Healthy Distractions
32:15 - Mind-Body Connection in Therapy
36:28 - "Overcoming Avoidance: Microdosing Exposure"
41:21 - Choosing a Financial Therapist
44:36 - Therapists: Creative Achievers and Money Views
47:51 - Encouraging Self-Spending Conflict
50:09 - "Aligning Spending with Joy"
52:21 - Defining "Enough" for Entrepreneurs
55:09 - "Disha Dyer: From College to White House"
56:20 - Outro

Quotes:
"Align with your Enneagram type to shift from scarcity to abundance."- Khara Croswaite Brindle

"Use your Enneagram type to transform your relationship with money."- Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:
Introduction to Enneagram
Debunking Financial Therapy
Unique Money Scripts
Relational Dynamics
Combat Noble Poverty
Financial Harmony and Joy
Embrace Financial Therapy

Call to Action:
Interested in exploring more about financial therapy or connecting with certified financial therapists, visit the Financial Therapy Association website and check out their directory athttps://financialtherapyassociation.org .

Discover more about your Enneagram type, visithttps://www.truity.com or thehttps://www.enneagraminstitute.com for assessments.

Connect with Khara Croswaite Brindle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kharacroswaite/
Website:https://croswaitecounselingpllc.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast: https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by vis

Support the show

Imagine transforming your business operations with seamless automation.

Welcome to The Power Lounge, where Amy Vaughan of Together Digital hosts conversations with empowered individuals. In this episode, Amy sits down with Christi Stafford, CEO and founder of Automation on a Mission, who brings over twenty-five years of experience in revolutionizing small businesses through intelligent automated systems.

Christi shares her "Attract, Sell, and Wow" framework, a strategy that streamlines customer journeys, boosts revenue, and builds lasting client relationships. Together, they explore the evolution of Christi's business model, the crucial role of automation in sustainable entrepreneurship, and the balance between technology and personal interaction.

Discover practical strategies to automate and scale your business, reclaim valuable time, and thrive. Whether you're an entrepreneur or interested in automation, this episode offers valuable insights to support your business journey.

Christi Stafford leads Automation on a Mission, empowering small businesses with streamlined sales and marketing automation since 2014. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs generate millions in revenue while reclaiming time through efficient, scalable systems. Her leadership includes launching impactful programs and a thriving social enterprise, making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable.

Join us as we explore the optimal customer journey through automation with Christi Stafford on The Power Lounge.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Nonprofit Management and Social Enterprise
03:29 - Unplanned Career Paths
08:41 - Efficient Meetings with Calendar Automation
10:42 - Unlocking Business Opportunities with Automation
13:46 - Automation's Human Connection & Magic
19:06 - Enhancing Client Renewal Rates
22:43 - Optimizing Business Automation Strategy
26:21 - Streamline Buying with Automation
28:07 - Inclusive Membership for Retired Members
32:04 - Automated Subscription Success
35:54 - Streamlining Guest Preparation Process
37:17 - Automated Affiliate Integration
42:14 - DocuSign Integration Limitations
45:40 - Mindful Use of Chatbots
46:53 - Chatbot Mastery with Lauren
50:14 - Custom Automation for Unique Businesses
53:35 - Design Career: Learning Through Experience
56:14 - Outro

Quotes:

"In digital chaos, automation is your secret weapon to reclaim time and energy."- Amy Vaughan

"Automation unlocks unique solutions and hidden opportunities for your business."- Christi Stafford

Key Takeaways:

Unlocking Automation Potential in Small Businesses
Creating Seamless Customer Journeys
Balancing Technology and Authenticity
Optimizing for Continued Success
Harnessing AI for the Future
Choosing the Right Automation Tools
Embracing Feedback as an Opportunity

Connect with Christi Stafford:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinorfleetstafford/
Website:https://automationonamission.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitinghttps://togetherindigital.com

Support the show

Welcome to The Power Lounge. In this episode, we explore a significant shift in healthcare marketing with our guest, Melissa Forrest Shackleford. With over twenty years of experience, Melissa has developed inclusive marketing strategies for organizations such as Optum and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. She joins host Amy Vaughn to discuss how inclusive marketing can challenge stigmas in healthcare.

Melissa details her journey and the impact of purpose-driven marketing in breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful consumer connections. The conversation covers the effectiveness of inclusive initiatives, the importance of language and accessibility, and provides practical strategies for obtaining executive support for inclusive marketing efforts. Additionally, Melissa highlights the tools and innovations that are driving change in the industry.

This episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice for marketers, healthcare professionals, and anyone committed to making a difference. For further reading, Melissa's book, "Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection," provides more comprehensive knowledge. Join us in building a more inclusive future.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:14 - "Evan North's Transformative Marketing Impact"
04:57 - Understanding Consumer Stigma Insights
08:18 - "Understanding Health Care Marketing Challenges"
11:04 - Fighting Stigma in Lung Cancer Screening
13:27 - Progress in Health Care Perception
17:26 - Authenticity in Testimonies
20:10 - Inclusive Marketing Awareness
23:50 - Person-First Language Explained
25:15 - Language Nuance and Impact
30:56 - Delivery Service Boosted Sales
33:29 - Reaching Diverse Audiences Economically
37:26 - Champion Accessible UX Today
41:44 - Purpose-Driven, Authentic Marketing
44:25 - "Values-Driven Consumer Purchases"
48:36 - Beyond Performative Inclusivity
51:14 - Inclusive Audience Targeting Importance
54:02 - Essential Inclusive Marketing Strategies
55:25 - Outro

Quotes:
"Inclusive marketing means truly seeing and understanding each person, unlocking its transformative power."- Amy Vaughan

"Shifting from stigma to understanding changes perceptions, saves lives, and forges genuine connections."- Melissa Forrest Shackleford

Key Takeaways:
Breaking Stigma Starts with Understanding
Authentic Representation Matters
Accessibility is Key to Inclusivity
Language as a Powerful Tool
Leveraging Technology for Personalization
Inclusivity Equals Growth

Connect with Melissa Forrest Shackleford:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfors/

Check out Melissa's book: https://a.co/d/5HGTje6

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast: https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting https://togetherindigital.com

Support the show