Business as UNusual

In this episode of Business as UNusual, culture expert and Better Culture co-founder Brett Hogeveen joins Aicila for an insightful conversation about the measurable business impact of workplace culture. Brett shares actionable strategies for building competitive advantage by prioritizing both top-down leadership and bottom-up employee engagement. Discover practical tips to improve retention, productivity, and fulfillment in your business using culture as your secret weapon.Topics discussed in this episode:How culture transforms business results and why it’s not just a “soft skill”The importance of executive buy-in and partnership for lasting culture changeMeasurable ways to foster employee commitment and continuous improvementBuilding culture from the bottom up: Introducing the 20 Tenets frameworkTips for leaders and employees to create a more rewarding workplaceWhy strategic plans should always include culture improvement initiativesSimple steps for shifting your organization’s culture to unlock performanceVisit https://betterculture.com/unusual for your free Culture Kickstarter Pack and start building a better workplace today!Resources mentioned in this episode:Better Culture Insights & free resources: https://betterculture.com/insightsBrett Hogeveen on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brett-hoogeveenMake culture part of your company’s strategic plan—start a conversation with your leadership team!Interested in leadership or culture training? Connect with Brett Hogeveen on LinkedIn or through Better Culture.Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this final episode of our energizing Business as UNusual four-part series, host Aicila shares unconventional strategies for creating a business plan that’s energy-aligned, flexible, and built to last. Drawing from her workshops and hands-on experience, Aicila reveals how to set intentions, develop actionable metrics, and adapt your workflow to the realities of change in business. Learn how a holistic approach—integrating your energy, time, and money—can make success feel inevitable as you prepare for a thriving 2026.Topics discussed in this episode:What makes a business plan “energy-aligned” and adaptiveWhy clarity and flexibility are key to inevitable successHow to use the Energy Map: setting intentions for momentum, creativity, and connectionApplying measurable indicators across financial, emotional, and creative domainsRituals and rhythms to protect your energy and foster sustainable business growthEmbracing quarterly check-ins and course correctionsEncouragement to experiment: thriving in your business while honoring personal needsDownload the Energy Map Prompts and Guides and start planning your 2026 goals.Join Aicila’s next energizing workshop on December 16 to dive deeper into energy-aligned business planningReflect and experiment—give yourself permission to flex your business plans and intentions for more sustainable success!Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila interviews Meg Thomas Crosby, co-founder of People Cap Advisors and author of the book "Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders." Meg shares her expertise on aligning organizational structure with business strategy, the importance of context for leadership, and how to scale companies sustainably through different stages of growth. Discover Meg’s proven framework for high-growth companies, her approach to working with founders and leadership teams, and actionable advice for both leaders and entrepreneurs facing the chaos of business evolution.Topics discussed in this episode:Why context is the missing link in strategic leadershipThe Growth Gauntlet framework: Four stages of organizational growthManaging founder transitions and honoring the "chief distraction officer"Six imperatives for sustainable scaling: From sharpening focus to aligning structureWhen great resumes aren’t the right fit: Hiring strategies for different growth phasesThe value of self-awareness in leadership and knowing when to step asideAdvice for young professionals: Plans, detours, and the power of connectionPrescriptive planning vs. reactive strategies in business scalingBuilding structures that survive leadership transitionsThe inspiration behind People Cap’s signature modelResources mentioned in this episode:People Cap Advisors: www.peoplecap.comConnect with Meg Thomas Crosby on LinkedInBook: "Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders" (released April 2025)Ready to scale your company the UNusual way? Dive into Meg’s Growth Gauntlet and rethink your leadership structure!Connect with Meg and the People Cap team on LinkedIn to keep up with disruptive business strategies.Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this energizing episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila guides entrepreneurs through designing a business that fuels itself—without burnout. Discover how to organize work around your energy, elevate creativity, foster impactful connections, and build self-sustaining momentum. Gain actionable steps for transforming draining routines into revitalizing practices, and learn why ease—not struggle—is the secret ingredient behind truly sustainable success.Topics discussed in this episode:Rethinking business design: The power of energy-led structuresFrom stuck to flow: How entrepreneurs can identify what’s draining and fueling energyWorking on vs. in your business: Why supporting activities matterCultivating creativity as an entrepreneur’s best resourceLeveraging authentic connections to build trust and goodwillMaking momentum your motivation enginePractical approaches for delegating, automating, and prioritizingLetting go of "hard" work culture in favor of ease and flowResources mentioned in this episode:Resource Calculator and Energy Snapshot by BiCureanEnergizer 2026 WorkshopTake your Energy Snapshot and rethink your workflow—unlock your business’s natural fuel!Try listing, ranking, and reworking your most draining tasks. Can you delegate or contain them?Replenish key connections—reach out and offer a generous hand to your business allies today!Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this solo episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives deep into the often-overlooked element of business success: energy management. Instead of just chasing financial returns, Aicila invites you to audit both your energetic and financial investments using her unique Resource Calculator. Discover how to spot what fuels you—and what drains you—to build sustainable growth and avoid burnout. This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders committed to creating lasting impact without sacrificing their well-being.Topics discussed in this episode:Why energy is just as vital as time and money in business planningHow to identify and balance projects that energize vs. drain youUsing the Resource Calculator to map your inputs and returnsPractical tips for replenishing your creativity, connection, and motivationStrategies to avoid burnout and align your work with what truly fuels youThe importance of reflection before planning your next goalsResources mentioned in this episode:The Resource Calculator Tool Energize Your 2026 Workshop – November 11, $35Try the Resource Calculator—get clear on what gives and takes energy in your business!Register for the Energize Your 2026 Workshop on November 11 to strategize for a vibrant business future.Reflect on your projects this week: which ones excite you, and which ones drain you? Take action accordingly!Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this conversation packed with unconventional insights, host Aicila welcomes Grace Najean—transformational leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and former Tony Robbins master coach—to Business as UNusual. Grace shares her Soulfluence Method and explains why true leadership, especially in today’s fast-paced world, demands more than just strategy—it requires energy, alignment, and soul. If you’re looking for innovative ways to thrive instead of just achieve, this episode will help you rethink success from the inside out.Topics discussed in this episode:Achievement Fatigue: The Hidden Cost of Conventional SuccessIntegration vs. Information: The Real Key to TransformationThe Soulfluence Method: Aligning Body, Mind, and Consciousness for Effortless LeadershipFrom Survival to Visionary: Shifting Leadership Dimensions (3D–5D)Practical Ways to Lead with Energy, Not EffortWhat Success and Authentic Leadership Mean to Grace NajeanThe Importance of Asking for Help and Accelerating Your GrowthRetreats, Masterclasses, and Keynote Speaking: How Grace is Creating ImpactResources mentioned in this episode:Grace Najean’s website: www.gracenajean.comConnect with Grace on LinkedIn: Grace Najean on LinkedInWant to experience truly transformational leadership? Visit Grace Najean’s website and explore her upcoming retreats and programs.Start your day in alignment! Try Grace’s 10-minute morning routine for energy and focus—listen for her instructions in the episode.Connect with Grace on LinkedIn and join her community of purpose-driven leaders.Episode transcript:The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores why energy—not just time and money—should be a key resource in business planning. Learn why successful entrepreneurs need to intentionally cultivate momentum, creativity, and connection to fuel productivity and innovation. Discover practical strategies and frameworks to identify energy leaks, optimize workflows, and thrive as an intentional, energized entrepreneur. If you want to understand how energy impacts leadership, motivation, and business growth, this episode is for you.Topics discussed in this episode:Why energy is the overlooked resource in modern businessUnderstanding the Energy Equation framework (momentum, creativity, connection)Strategies for recognizing and plugging energy leaksThe importance of intentional energy cultivation for sustainable successHow to balance energy, time, and money for optimal productivityReal-world examples: creativity and burnout in entrepreneurshipPlanning for next year: leveraging your personal energy profilePreview of next week’s episode with Meg Crosby on scaling companiesResources mentioned in this episode:Energy Snapshot Quiz: https://www.bicurean.com/energysnapshotBiCurean Consulting: https://www.bicurean.comTake the Energy Snapshot quiz to discover your core energy type and boost your business!Start planning your activities for next year based on what energizes you—reflect, write, or walk!Subscribe and tune in next week for more Business as UNusual strategies with special guest Meg Crosby!The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives into the world of unconventional coaching with Autumn Wade, the force behind Coaches & Dragons. Autumn, your inner rebel’s favorite coach, shares how she merges tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) with life and business coaching to help clients hunt inner gremlins and escape feeling stuck. Discover actionable strategies for choosing the right coach, trusting yourself, and building a business (and life) that truly fits you—not the status quo.Topics discussed in this episode:How TTRPG frameworks foster growth and risk-taking in personal developmentSpotting and avoiding “coach-fluencer” traps: what real coaching looks (and feels) likeBuilding trust in yourself: why your path matters more than shortcutsThe difference between coaching and mentoring: finding the approach that fitsAutumn’s philosophy behind “The Forge” and creating tools for ongoing transformationDefining success: joy, consistency, and living your unique pathHow to find (and become) the right client for transformative coachingResources mentioned in this episode:Coaches & Dragons websiteThe Forge at Coaches & DragonsAutumn Wade on TikTok (@coachesanddragons)Autumn Wade on LinkedInKo-Fi: Coaches & Dragons MembershipCoach’s Barbecue Community EventReady to level up your growth? Join The Forge and start your journey with TTRPG-inspired tools!Follow Autumn on TikTok for daily wisdom and geeky coaching tips.Curious if coaching is right for you? Visit coachesanddragons.com to connect with Autumn and discover a new approach to change.The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

On this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Faith Clarke, founder of Work Ecosystems for Humans, to unpack how designing for belonging and collaborative leadership transforms workplaces. Faith—an organizational culture and teamwork specialist, with a unique background as a Caribbean immigrant and mother of neurodistinct children—shares how inclusive, values-driven environments unleash authentic engagement and sustainable growth. Together, they explore the myths and realities of inclusivity, why culture beats strategy, and how power-with over power-over brings higher-performing, more human teams. If you’re searching for innovative approaches to organizational leadership, this conversation delivers the practical insights and inspiration you need.Topics discussed in this episode:Why belonging is the foundation of collaborative leadershipHow U.S. workplace culture complicates inclusivityDesigning environments vs. trying to control individual behaviorThe pitfalls of “power over” and the benefits of “power with”The real reasons invisible labor drains marginalized leadersCulture change as a process: what sustainability really looks likeHow restoring communal care revitalizes organizationsThe measurable impact of culture on strategy and performanceFaith Clarke’s approach to restorative work culture auditsActionable steps for leaders seeking meaningful changeResources mentioned in this episode:Faith Clarke’s website: faithclarke.comRestorative Work Culture audit: restorativeworkculture.comReady to transform your organization? Explore a restorative culture audit with Faith Clarke at faithclark.com.Rethink your leadership—shift from “power over” to “power with” and watch your team thrive!Don’t miss future Business as UNusual wisdom—subscribe and share this episode with leaders hungry for change!The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.