Conversations Beyond the Brand

You can still be productive, dependable, and successful while moving closer to burnout than you realize.Leadership development coach Susan Honea joins Tashana Thompson to unpack the warning signs high achievers often ignore and how greater self-awareness, stronger boundaries, and intentional rest can help leaders stop operating on empty.In this conversation, we cover:▸ Why high achievers can miss the warning signs of burnout▸ How vulnerability and self-awareness affect leadership▸ Why your head, heart, and gut all matter when making decisions▸ How boundaries help leaders reclaim their personal agency▸ Why saying no is sometimes the healthiest leadership decision▸ What procrastination may reveal about overwhelm▸ How small priorities and accountability can help you move forwardThis episode is for entrepreneurs, executives, emerging leaders, high achievers, and women who want to lead with greater clarity without losing themselves in the process.CONNECT WITH SUSAN HONEAWebsite: https://susanhonea.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-w-honea/About Susan: https://susanhonea.com/about/CONNECT WITH TASHANA THOMPSON AND BEYOND BUSINESS SOLUTIONSPodcast home: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/Website: https://beyondsolutions.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomasABOUT CONVERSATIONS BEYOND THE BRANDConversations Beyond the Brand is hosted by Tashana Thompson and goes beneath the surface of leadership, business, purpose, relationships, and personal growth. Each episode explores the real stories, decisions, and experiences shaping the people behind the work they do.

More revenue does not automatically mean a healthier business.Sandy Petty explains how cash flow, profit margins, leadership habits, and operational systems reveal whether a business is truly ready to scale.In this conversation, we cover:▸ The difference between business growth and true scaling▸ Why revenue does not always equal profitability or cash flow▸ How growth exposes weak financial and operational systems▸ Why founders become bottlenecks inside their own businesses▸ The importance of tracking margins, budgets, and cash▸ How delegation and documented systems support sustainable growth▸ When growing businesses need more than basic bookkeepingThis episode is for business owners and professional service leaders who want stronger financial infrastructure, clearer numbers, and a healthier path to growth.CONNECT WITH SANDY PETTYWebsite:https://www.executivefinancialpartners.com/LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/pettysandyCONNECT WITH TASHANA THOMPSON AND BEYOND BUSINESS SOLUTIONSPodcast home: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/Website: https://beyondsolutions.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomasABOUT CONVERSATIONS BEYOND THE BRAND™Conversations Beyond the Brand™ is hosted by Tashana Thompson and goes beneath the surface of leadership, business, purpose, relationships, and personal growth. Each episode explores the real stories, decisions, and experiences shaping the people behind the work they do.

What if access to technology is one of the biggest barriers standing between families and opportunity?In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand™, Tashana Thompson sits down with Richard Hicks, CEO and President of Inspiredu, for a powerful conversation about digital equity, nonprofit leadership, community impact, and what it really means to serve people well.Richard leads Inspiredu, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide through technology access, digital skills training, broadband support, and education for underserved communities. But beyond the work, Richard shares the heart behind his leadership — his family legacy, his rural roots, his faith, his belief in relationship-building, and why true leadership is rooted in service.Together, Tashana and Richard talk about the real-life impact of technology access, the fear many families still feel around digital tools and AI, and why nonprofits must build trust, relationships, and community in order to survive and grow.In this conversation, they discuss:▸ Why technology access is now a basic need▸ How the digital divide affects families, students, adults, and seniors▸ Why relationship building matters in nonprofit sustainability▸ The difference between fundraising and “friend raising”▸ How fear and misinformation can keep people disconnected▸ Why AI conversations need both safety and possibility▸ What selfless leadership looks like in real life▸ How legacy, family, faith, and community shaped Richard’s workThis episode is for nonprofit leaders, mission-driven founders, community builders, educators, and anyone who believes that leadership should be rooted in service, relationships, and real impact.Connect with Richard Hicks:Website: https://www.iuatl.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-inspiredu/ Connect with Tashana Thompson and Beyond Business Solutions:Podcast home: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/Website: https://beyondsolutions.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomasConversations Beyond the Brand™ is a podcast hosted by Tashana Thompson that goes beneath the surface of leadership, business, purpose, and personal growth. Each episode explores the real stories, relationships, and experiences that shape the people behind the work they do.

What if work could be optional? In this episode, Tashana sits down with Certified Financial Planner Selena Teasley to have the wealth conversation every woman needs but rarely gets to have.Selena Teasley, CFP®, RICP® is a Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional with Applied Wealth Management. She left a 14-year career in IT to become the wealth advisor she could not find for herself. Today she helps women move from financial shame to financial clarity, and from earning well to actually building wealth.In this conversation, we explore:- Why so many high-achieving women carry shame around money- The hidden danger of letting a partner handle all the finances- Selena's Work Optional framework- The Clarity, Control, and Confidence approach- Why you do not need seven figures to make work optional- How to build a legacy of ownership, education, and freedom- Practical first steps for women who feel behindWhether you are leading a nonprofit, growing a business, or building your own financial future, this conversation will shift how you think about money, success, and what enough really looks like.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and introduction01:03 From 14 years in IT to wealth management03:34 Why women carry shame around money06:38 The hidden danger of leaving finances to a partner09:30 The wake-up call that started it all12:31 What "work optional" really means16:24 The Work Optional framework22:01 Early mistakes women make when building wealth29:10 Why money is emotional33:36 Where branding and financial legacy meet36:58 Redefining success beyond the seven-figure chase46:36 Legacy, ownership, and what to leave behind49:50 The Clarity, Control, and Confidence framework50:58 Rapid Fire Round: Unfiltered & UnpluggedCONNECT WITH SELENA TEASLEYApplied Wealth Management: https://appliedwealthmgt.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenateasley/Listen to more episodes and join the conversation: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/Stay Rooted, Stay Connected, and Stay in Relationship.

In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Tashana Thompson sits down with Joann Dean, social worker, ten-time self-published author, certified life and book coach, and founder of Self-Care for Success, for a deeply honest and transformative conversation about identity, healing, and what it truly means to know yourself.What begins as a discussion about Joann’s journey into social work, inspired by watching her grandmother nurture and care for her community, unfolds into a much deeper exploration of the emotional experiences that shape how we show up in the world. From building a sister circle that grew into a movement for women, to navigating her own personal healing journey, Joann shares how her work has always been rooted in creating space for women who are used to holding everything together for everyone else.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful and often unspoken reality: the impact of the father wound. Together, Tashana and Joann explore the emotional void many women carry, even when they were raised with love and support, and how the absence of masculine affirmation can quietly influence confidence, identity, and relationships. Joann vulnerably shares her own journey, including a pivotal moment of healing that took place on the very porch where her story with her father began.This episode also offers practical reflection points, including four foundational questions that challenge you to look inward and truly understand who you are, along with Joann’s HEART framework, which anchors self-care in self-discovery, alignment, and trust.This is not a conversation about surface-level self-care. It is about the kind of inner work that transforms how you see yourself, how you show up, and how you define success.If you have ever felt like something was missing, even when everything looked aligned on the outside, this conversation will meet you with both truth and grace.Connect with Joann DeanWebsite: https://selfcareforsuccess.org/Connect with Tashana ThompsonWebsite: https://beyondsolutions.biz/

From toxic job to bankruptcy to multiple six figures—this is the REAL story of how I built Beyond Business Solutions. And yes, I'm sharing the parts most entrepreneurs won't tell you. 💔➡️💪Welcome to Part 3 of my interview series with Cashe Thompson! This episode gets REAL about my journey—the mistakes, the surrender, the dark seasons, and how God used relationships to rebuild everything.What You'll Discover in This Episode:In this raw, vulnerable conversation, Cashe and I discuss:✨ Why I quit my job at 25 with a mortgage and no real plan (young and dumb, but God had me!)✨ The toxic work environment that led to health issues—I was pre-diabetic and miserable✨ How my former employer offered me consulting work that doubled my income after I quit✨ The original business name that nobody could pronounce (Aurora Neche Business Services 😂)✨ Filing for bankruptcy after a decade in business—the shame, the darkness, and the surrender✨ Losing my business partner 4 months postpartum while income dropped to $25K✨ The Abraham and Isaac moment: When God tested my heart with my savings✨ How I rebuilt a multiple six-figure business through the power of relationships✨ Why "no person, place, or condition is my supply"—only God✨ The gift my former business partner gave me by leavingTimestamps:1:07 - Taking the Leap at 25: Leaving My Job1:38 - We Were Miserable and Decided to Quit2:32 - Young and Dumb (Don't Do What I Did!)3:02 - The Health Wake-Up Call: Pre-Diabetic at 254:03 - The Original Business Name: Aurora Neche4:36 - Wanting to Control My Own Destiny5:11 - The Problem: Small Businesses Closing at Alarming Rates5:40 - Your Mama Can Bake Good Cakes...6:24 - The Business Nerd Awakens in MBA Program7:20 - Why I Got a Dual MBA: Marketing + HR8:08 - Quitting and Giving Away My Savings8:42 - Abraham and Isaac: The Ram in the Bush10:14 - Testing My Heart: Will You Still Do This?12:07 - God's Provision: The Consulting Offer12:47 - You Can't Make Anything Your God14:01 - Don't Make Your Spouse, Kids, or Money Your Idol15:31 - Daily Surrender (Not Just Once in 2007!)16:35 - The Next Bump: Pregnancy, Partner Leaving, Bankruptcy17:10 - Filing for Bankruptcy After a Decade in Business18:05 - My Chapter in "Inspiring Women" Book19:19 - The First Step: Rebuilding Through Relationships19:46 - The Power of Relationships: My Path to Rebuilding20:30 - God Gives You Double for Your Trouble21:26 - The Reality: Fourth Quarter Tears and All22:11 - Becoming Sole CEO After Partnership Ended23:02 - She Gave Me a Gift to Rebuild My Way23:44 - Four Months Postpartum When She Left24:30 - The Dark Season: From Six Figures to $25K25:20 - Losing My Sister-Friend and Business Anchor25:40 - Our Lives Move at the Speed of Our RelationshipsA Little About This Episode:This is my most vulnerable conversation yet. I'm sharing the failures, the bankruptcy, the postpartum darkness, and how relationships literally rebuilt my life and business. If you're in a dark season right now, this is for you.This is PART 3 of our series - catch up on Parts 1 & 2, and stay tuned for the final segment!💼 Ready to Work Together? If you're ready to rebuild or scale your business through the power of relationships → https://beyondsolutions.biz📖 Featured in This Episode: "Inspiring Women: Living an Unstoppable Life with Purpose, Power, and Passion" - Available on Amazon🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growwithbbs/videosSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ncC7zaBzTYTEfDgvWpJcn?si=TLJ4l7ctT3m3Llal05XQhwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-beyond-the-brand/id1819480858IHeart Radio - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-conversations-beyond-the-b-279950512/📱 Let's Connect: Instagram: @growwithbbs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/ Website: https://beyondsolutions.bizNew episodes drop every Sunday at 3 PM! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a conversation that goes beyond the surface. 🔔

What started as a 5-year dream is now a movement bringing women-leaders out of the shadows. Here's why I FINALLY launched Conversations Beyond the Brand, and what I'm building for YOU.Welcome to Part 2 of my interview series with my business bestie Cashe Thompson! In this episode, we're diving deep into the WHY behind my podcast and how it connects to my bigger mission of helping brilliant women shine.What You'll Discover in This Episode:In this heartfelt conversation, Cashe and I explore:✨ Why it took me 5+ years to finally launch this podcast (and what gave me the courage)✨ The REAL role this show plays in my mission to spotlight women-led businesses and nonprofits✨ Why I'm obsessed with conversation over being a "talking head"✨ What I look for in every guest (hint: it's all about being heart-centered)✨ My honest take on AI vs. human connection—and why humanity is already getting fatigued✨ How this podcast IS my Relationship Currency framework in action✨ What I want YOU to feel after every episode (you're not alone in this entrepreneurial journey!)✨ The 10 incredible women on my team who help me co-labor these visions into realityTimestamps:0:36 - Why I Started This Podcast (A 5-Year Dream!)1:04 - The Role of the Podcast in My Mission2:08 - Shining Light on Businesses People Don't Know About2:48 - Why I'm a Total Business Nerd3:35 - Why I Bring On Experts vs. Going Solo4:12 - I Love Conversation (And Running My Mouth!)4:45 - What I Look for in My Guests5:09 - Heart-Centered People Over Bottom Line5:34 - AI vs. Human Interaction: My Hot Take6:32 - The Podcast IS Relationship Currency in Action7:19 - Why Conversation is What Connects Us7:47 - Lessons from COVID: We Need Community8:44 - What I Want Listeners to Gain from This Show9:26 - Entrepreneurship is LONELY (You're Not Alone!)10:40 - This is a Labor of Love and a Calling11:15 - My Team of 10 Women Co-Laboring with MeA Little About This Episode:This conversation gets REAL about why I do what I do. After almost 19 years in business, I'm finally sharing the heart behind the podcast and why authentic, human-centered connection will always win—even in an AI-driven world.This is PART 2 of our series - catch up on Part 1 if you missed it, and stay tuned for more!💼 Ready to Work Together? If you're tired of hiding your brilliance under a basket, let's talk → https://beyondsolutions.biz🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growwithbbs/videosSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ncC7zaBzTYTEfDgvWpJcn?si=TLJ4l7ctT3m3Llal05XQhwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-beyond-the-brand/id1819480858IHeart Radio - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-conversations-beyond-the-b-279950512/📱 Let's Connect:Instagram: @growwithbbsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/Website: https://beyondsolutions.bizNew episodes drop every Sunday at 3 PM! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a conversation that goes beyond the surface. 🔔

For the first time EVER on Conversations Beyond the Brand, I'm stepping OUT of the host chair and INTO the guest seat! My business bestie Cashe Thompson is interviewing ME to give you an intimate look at who I am beyond the strategy sessions and brand launches.What You'll Discover in This Episode:In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Cashe and I dive deep into:✨ The REAL work I do with my clients (spoiler: it goes WAY beyond logos and social posts—we're talking P&Ls, revenue patterns, and deep vision work)✨ How I've spent 19 years helping women-led businesses and nonprofits step out from the shadows and SHINE✨ Why my busiest days are relationship-heavy—and how that perfectly aligns with my Relationship Currency framework✨ My heart's mission: taking the basket OFF the lamp so the world can see how brilliant these women really are✨ What it means when I say I'm not just a marketer—I'm a strategic advisor, co-laborer, and partner in birthing your vision✨ The legacy I'm building: helping superwomen create businesses that eventually make work OPTIONALTimestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Flipping the Script0:36 - My Elevator Pitch: Professional vs. The Truth2:24 - What the Work REALLY Is (It's Not Just Marketing!)3:52 - Going Deep: P&Ls, Strategy & Life Coaching5:23 - How I Help Clients See Their Vision Bigger6:32 - A Day in My Life: Thursdays are Busy!9:10 - The Relationship Currency Connection10:14 - My Mission: Taking the Basket Off the Lamp12:07 - Working With Superwomen Who Need a TeamA Little About Me:I'm Tashana Thompson, CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Beyond Business Solutions. For nearly two decades, I've led a done-for-you branding and marketing agency specializing in women-led small businesses and nonprofits.But here's what I really do: I help brilliant women who are used to being in the background step into the spotlight they deserve. We don't just create marketing plans, we co-labor to bring their full vision into reality.This is PART 1 of our series - so stay tuned as Cashe and I continue this conversation!💼 Ready to Work Together? If you're tired of hiding your brilliance under a basket, let's talk → https://beyondsolutions.biz🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growwithbbs/videosSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ncC7zaBzTYTEfDgvWpJcn?si=TLJ4l7ctT3m3Llal05XQhwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-beyond-the-brand/id1819480858IHeart Radio - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-conversations-beyond-the-b-279950512/📱 Let's Connect:Instagram: @growwithbbsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/Website: https://beyondsolutions.bizNew episodes drop every Sunday at 3 PM! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a conversation that goes beyond the surface. 🔔