Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 29: Building Community and Living with Courage with Karen Cleveland

In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, host Leslie Kane is joined by returning guest Karen Cleveland, leadership coach, trainer, and longtime community builder. Karen opens up about her journey in leadership, her belief in the power of community, and how living with intention can change the course of both business and life.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why community and culture are at the center of true leadership

• Lessons from Karen’s experience leading the Reston Chamber of Commerce

• How one client intentionally designed the life she wanted and what we can learn from her story

• Karen’s perspective on courage and living in alignment with your values

Take this as your reminder to get involved in your community and to take one step this week toward intentionally designing the life you want to live.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Contact Karen -

karen@clevelandcoachingandconsulting.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/karen.k.cleveland

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-cleveland-pcc-8a6676/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 28 – Systems Are My Superpower with Leslie

In this solo episode, Leslie explores one of her greatest strengths, building systems. She shares why systems are the secret to staying consistent and why, as James Clear reminds us in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” Leslie also walks through some of her favorite systems that she uses every day in business and life.

Highlights

- Systems create stability – They keep you moving forward when motivation dips or life goes sideways

- Consistency compounds – Systems paired with steady action build trust and long-term results

- Document and repeat – If you do it twice, it should become a system or a standard operating procedure

- Save time and energy – Systems free you from reinventing the wheel so you can focus on growth and relationships

- Structure supports creativity – With reliable processes in place, you can show up more courageously in your business and life

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and leave a review. Share it with a friend who is building a business. To request Leslie’s Systems Sheet or explore coaching and the Women Taking Action Inner Circle, visit WhyNotTodayMovement.com.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 27: Courage, Entrepreneurship, and a Runaway Peacock with Brian Tinsman

What does it really take to step out of the corporate world and build something of your own? In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, Leslie talks with Brian Tinsman, founder of Pounce Solutions, about the twists, turns, and bold choices that shaped his journey into entrepreneurship.

Brian’s story is full of surprises including a career with the Washington Redskins, two heart surgeries that changed his perspective, launching a business during the uncertainty of 2020, and even how his peacock Chip went missing for 10 days and became a viral news story.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• The “Why Not Today?” moments that gave Brian the courage to take action even when it felt risky

• How imperfect starts and problem solving led to his business success

• Why authentic relationships and community matter more than the perfect plan

• A behind the scenes story that shows why courage is always about action

If you have been waiting for the right time to start something new, grow with clarity, or simply take your next step, this conversation will remind you that you do not have to have it all figured out. You just have to begin.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Contact Brian -

www.pouncesolutions.com

brian@h2dstrategies.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/pouncemarketingsolutions

- Instagram -www.instagram.com/pouncemarketingsolutions

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pouncesolutions

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 26: The Power of Community in Entrepreneurship with Leslie

In this solo episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, Leslie Kane, Courage Coach and founder of the Why Not Today Movement, shares the truth about entrepreneurship that often goes unspoken, it can feel lonely. Drawing from personal experience and the stories of women entrepreneurs at every stage, Leslie explores the magic of community, the importance of connection, and how accountability and celebration fuel courage and momentum.

Highlights from this episode

• Why entrepreneurship often feels lonely and what to do about it

• How the Women Taking Action Inner Circle is transforming businesses and lives

• The three reasons community changes everything, perspective, accountability, and celebration

• Stories of women who found clarity, confidence, and courage through connection

• Why you don’t have to do business alone and how to take the next brave step

Leslie supports women in three ways.

- Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability.

- Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most.

- And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 25: AI, Marketing, and Courage in Business with Madeline McMahon

In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, I welcome back Madeline McMahon, marketing strategist, fractional business development expert, and AI enthusiast. Madeline brings a wealth of practical insights for small business owners who want to make smarter decisions about their marketing, budgets, and technology tools. From using AI to vet vendors to finding your real bandwidth for consistent marketing, she shares honest lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey and tips you can put into action right away.

What You’ll Hear

- Practical ways to use AI beyond content creation, including vendor vetting

- Why consistency is about bandwidth, not just frequency

- Tools and tips for making AI work for you, including Prompt Cowboy

- The difference between Google and AI for business problem solving

- How conversations and collaboration spark better ideas and smarter use of technology

Whether you are new to AI or looking to refine how you use it, this episode offers clear, actionable strategies to help you invest your time and resources wisely.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Contact Madeline -

www.beerpaysthebills.com

madeline@beerpaysthebills.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/madelinereginaceleste/

- Instagram -www.instagram.com/madelinereginaceleste/

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/madelinermcmahon/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 24: How to Suck as a Leader with Travis Dalrymple

In this episode, Leslie welcomes back Travis Dalrymple, a coach, entrepreneur, and author of How to Suck as a Leader. Travis dives deep into the importance of self-improvement for business owners and shares how his journey of personal growth led him to write this insightful book. If you're looking to level up your leadership skills and avoid the common mistakes many leaders make, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

- Travis’ “Why Not Today?” moment of quitting his stable job to align with his values and pursue entrepreneurship

- How leadership challenges in business are often rooted in personal growth

- Key takeaways from Travis’ book How to Suck as a Leader, which offers actionable advice on fixing the top mistakes leaders make

Key Takeaways:

- Your business success is directly tied to your personal growth—tactics alone won’t get you to where you want to be.

- Courage is not about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about taking action despite fear.

- Leadership is about creating a team that follows with purpose, not just tolerance.

Don’t miss out on the powerful insights from Travis Dalrymple’s new book, How to Suck as a Leader. If you’re ready to improve your leadership skills and avoid common pitfalls, grab your copy now at this link. https://amzn.to/4otJZSe

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Contact Travis -

www.travisdalrymple.com

travis.dalrymple@gmail.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/travis.dalrymple1/

- Instagram -www.instagram.com/travdalrymple/

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/travisdalrymple/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Season 4, Episode 23: When to Pivot and Persevere: Lessons from Rebekah Murray

In this episode, Leslie Kane talks with entrepreneur Rebekah Murray, co-owner of Dare Gift Boxes, about her journey from destination wedding photography to launching a clothing line and ultimately pivoting into a thriving gift box business. Rebekah shares how courage, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change can lead to unexpected success.

Highlights include:

• How a “why not today” moment led Rebekah to start her first fashion business

• The lessons learned from setbacks, grit, and manufacturing challenges

• How a pivot during Covid transformed her business into a successful gift box company

• The balance of optimism, perseverance, and experimentation in entrepreneurship

If this episode inspired you or made you think of someone dreaming of starting a business, share it with them. Take one brave step toward your own vision today.

Want to take action with more courage and confidence?

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. Sign up for monthly workshops to learn new skills and stay focused on what matters most. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Contact Rebekah -

www.daregiftboxes.com

rebekah@daregiftboxes.com

- Instagram -www.instagram.com/daregiftboxes

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahjmurray/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Season 4, Episode 22: Choosing Alignment Over Expectation with Alice Chen

In this inspiring episode, Leslie welcomes Alice Chen, educator, artist, and founder of Wayfinding Wisdom. Alice shares how a life-changing conversation with her father encouraged her to stop splitting her energy and fully commit to a business and lifestyle aligned with her true self.

From her journey of leaving a traditional career to embrace her creative and entrepreneurial spirit, to her lessons learned through knitting, surfing, and building community, Alice offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling pulled in too many directions.

Highlights from the episode:

- The moment Alice chose full alignment over a stable but unfulfilling path

- How a serious injury led to unexpected healing and creativity through knitting

- What the “Beauty Project” is and how it cultivates mindfulness and presence

- Why creativity is not optional for entrepreneurs—it’s essential

- How to embrace evolution in business without feeling like you’re starting over

- The three types of mentors we all need: people who guide us, walk with us, and grow because of us

Want More Clarity, Confidence, and Simplicity in Your Business? Each month, Leslie hosts live workshops designed for solopreneurs who want to cut through the chaos, focus on what matters, and take aligned action. With over 30 years of experience mentoring women, Leslie brings inspiration, strategy, and support through the Why Not Today? Movement.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it..

Contact Alice -

www.wayfindingwisdom.com

alice@wayfindingwisdom.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/alice.chen.5264/

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/wayfindingwisdom

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/alice-chen-medt-cpc-958b41a6/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingactiongroup

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!