Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 37: Leslie on the Why Not Today Journey: From One Courageous Step to Providing a Space for Entrepreneurs through the Inner Circle

In this episode of the Why Not Today Podcast, host and founder Leslie Kane opens up about her journey from taking one courageous step to building a community where entrepreneurs can grow together. What began as a spontaneous idea on a walk around the lake became a podcast that celebrates courage, connection, and the willingness to take action even when you are not sure what comes next.

Leslie shares her story of saying yes to opportunities that changed everything, including launching her Mary Kay business over 30 years ago, starting the Why Not Today Podcast in honor of her father, and building a business that continues to evolve with purpose and heart. Through each chapter, she reminds listeners that clarity comes through action and that courage is built one step at a time.

She also introduces the Why Not Today Inner Circle, a supportive space she created for entrepreneurs to come together weekly for encouragement, accountability, and authentic connection. The Inner Circle is where women in business celebrate wins, share struggles, and find practical tools to keep moving forward. It is proof that when people come together in community, courage multiplies.

This episode is both a reflection and an invitation to take your own next step toward growth and connection. Leslie reminds listeners that courage is contagious, and the best time to start is always today.

What You’ll Hear:

- The original Why Not Today moment that sparked it all

- How one courageous step led to a growing business and community

- The story behind her father’s legacy and the Why Not Today logo

- How the Inner Circle supports entrepreneurs with courage and connection

- Encouragement to take your next brave step today

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that courage doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means starting anyway. Visit www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcast for more inspiring stories and tools to help you take your next bold step.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 36: Fight Fear with Failure: Finding Courage in the Messy Middle with Janet Counts

In this episode of the Why Not Today? podcast, host Leslie Kane sits down with entrepreneur and community advocate Janet Counts for a real conversation about courage, connection, and rebuilding from chaos. Janet shares her personal journey from the IT world to small business ownership, navigating the ups and downs of running a family business, and rediscovering her passion for helping women in trades and local business.

Together, Leslie and Janet talk about what it really takes to show up when things fall apart, the power of community over competition, and why sometimes courage means saying no, pivoting, or starting over.

Highlights:

- Janet’s story of leaving corporate life and diving into entrepreneurship

- How to “fight fear with failure” and use setbacks as stepping stones

- The importance of progress over perfection in business and life

- Why local community matters more than social media followers

- Building authentic relationships instead of transactional networking

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that courage doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means starting anyway. Visit www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcast for more inspiring stories and tools to help you take your next bold step.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. 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 Janet -

www.potomacpg.com

- janet@potomacpg.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/janetcaseycounts

- Instagram – www.instagram.com/janetcasey

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/janet-counts-a83857b8/

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 - Building the Life is Good Brand with Roy Heffernan

In this inspiring conversation, Leslie Kane sits down with Roy Heffernan, retired Chief Operating Optimist and partner at Life is Good. Roy shares the story behind one of America’s most beloved lifestyle brands and how a simple mission, to spread the power of optimism, became a movement that impacts millions.

Together, Leslie and Roy explore how optimism, structure, and purpose can transform both business and life. Roy also shares his journey from cable television executive to helping scale Life is Good from a small van-based start-up to a global brand known for spreading joy and meaning.

Highlights:

• The origins of Life is Good and how Bert and John Jacobs turned optimism into a business model

• Why “to spread the power of optimism” is more than a tagline, it’s a cultural foundation

• The importance of balancing creativity and systems for sustainable growth

• How Life is Good pivoted its business model before COVID to stay resilient and relevant

• Roy’s reflections on courage, patience, and using your gifts to make an impact

• His ongoing mentorship work with SCORE and how entrepreneurs can find support

Listen and be reminded that courage and optimism go hand in hand. Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one brave step and ask, Why not today?

Leslie supports women in many ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

Contact Roy -

- Royheffernan@gmail.com

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-heffernan-27a3621/

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 34: The Power of Community with Leslie Kane

In this solo episode, host Leslie Kane dives into one of her favorite topics, community, and why it’s more vital than ever in a world that often feels disconnected. Leslie shares research, personal stories, and practical ways to build real, lasting connections that support your courage and growth.

She explores how community shapes our health, happiness, and success, and reminds listeners that courage doesn’t always come from within—sometimes it’s borrowed from those around us.

Highlights:

• Why community is more than proximity—it’s belonging and being seen

• The impact of the loneliness epidemic and the research behind it

• How connection improves health, resilience, and happiness

• Stories from 9/11, COVID, and personal loss that reveal the power of showing up for one another

• How to create and nurture community through consistency, curiosity, generosity, and follow-up

• Why “community isn’t something we find—it’s something we build together”

If this episode inspired you, take one small step toward connection today. Send a message to someone you’ve been thinking about, join the Why Not Today Connects Luncheon, or explore the Inner Circle community. Visit whynottodaymovement.com to learn more.

Remember, courage is contagious and when we live in community, that courage multiplies. Why not today?

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. 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/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- 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 33: Betting on Yourself and Building with Courage with Michael Rivero

In this episode of the Why Not Today? podcast, host Leslie Kane talks with Michael Rivero, a purpose-driven marketer, entrepreneur, and founder of TPOS.ai. Michael shares how his journey from sneaker collector to successful business owner taught him to take bold steps, trust himself, and keep moving forward even when things get messy.

This inspiring conversation explores what it looks like to truly bet on yourself, navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and stay grounded in faith, family, and purpose while growing a business that aligns with your values.

Highlights:

- How Michael’s sneaker hobby turned into his first business

- The moment he decided to quit his corporate job and start his own company

- Lessons learned from growth, burnout, and rebuilding stronger

- Why saying no can create space for the right opportunities

- His honest take on what marketing really is and how to simplify it

Take 10 minutes this week to reflect on one area of your life or business where you’ve been waiting for the “right time.” Write down one small action you can take today to move forward — and then do it.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. 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 Michael - www.TPOS.AI

- michael@topshotpromarketing.com

- Facebook - www.Facebook.com/topshotdc

- Instagram – www.Instagram.com/topshotdc

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

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 32: Standing in Your Worth with Marissa Levin

In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, Leslie welcomes back Marissa Levin for an inspiring conversation on courage, transformation, and what it means to stand fully in your worth. Marissa shares her recent journey of stepping into a corporate leadership role after decades of entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the importance of creating psychological safety in every space she leads.

What You’ll Hear:

- How she transitioned from consultant to CHRO and Chief Culture Officer and what she learned in the process

- The role of intuition and listening to your inner voice when making bold decisions

- Why psychological safety is the foundation of growth and high achievement

- How addressing money shame can unlock greater confidence and joy

Take a moment to reflect on where you might be holding back or undervaluing yourself. What step could you take today to trust your intuition, stand in your worth, and move closer to the freedom, growth, and joy you deserve? Why not today?

Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. 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 Marissa -

www.MarissaInternational.com

- Marissa@MarissaInternational.com

- Facebook -www.facebook.com/marissa.levin/

- Instagram – www.instagram.com/marissalevin_official/

- LinkedIn -www.linkedin.com/in/marissalevin1

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 31: Clarity, Courage, and the Changing World of Sales with Brian Shea

In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, Leslie Kane talks with Brian Shea, founder of Lucrum Partners and CEO of Lemonade Global. Brian shares his journey from launching XM Satellite Radio to building businesses that help others scale with clarity and courage. They dive into how the sales landscape has shifted since COVID, the importance of authentic connections, and what courage looks like when stepping into entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Hear

- Lessons learned from starting and growing Lucrum Partners

- The dramatic shift in buyer behavior pre and post COVID

- Why slowing down and listening deeply leads to stronger results

- How to take small steps toward your business dreams today

Sales has changed. Take one step this week to connect authentically with your buyers and meet them where they are.

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 Brian -

www.LucrumPartners.co

brian@lucrumpartners.co

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/salesskills/

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

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

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

- 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 30: Living with Courage and Purpose After a Near-Death Experience with Jacob Cooper

In this episode of the Why Not Today? Podcast, Leslie Kane sits down with Jacob Cooper, LCSW, to explore how a childhood near-death experience shaped his life’s mission. Jacob shares how that moment of profound awareness set him on a path to inspire others to live with courage, authenticity, and purpose.

What You’ll Hear:

- Jacob’s story of his near-death experience at age three and how it transformed his perspective on life

- His definition of courage as living with values and integrity, regardless of external approval

- The role of intuition and soul alignment in creating a purposeful life

- How grief, trauma, and spiritual experiences intersect with mental health

- Jacob’s work as an author, therapist, speaker, and regressionist helping others connect with their eternal nature

Jacob is the author of two books: Life After Breath and The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder. He also hosts The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder podcast, available on YouTube and MindBodySpirit.fm.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Women Taking Action Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability.

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 Jacob -

www.Jacoblcooper.com

jacobcooperlcsw@gmail.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/jacob.cooper.716

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/jacobcooperlcsw/

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-cooper-lcsw-799049139/

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