Liz on Biz® with Liz Theresa

In this episode, Liz chats with Jennifer Grace, author, transformational coach, and co-founder of Raven and Grace Press — a boutique hybrid publisher designed for writers who want more than self-publishing but aren’t looking to break into the traditional publishing world.They dive into the differences between traditional, self, and hybrid publishing, demystify the distribution process, and discuss who benefits most from working with a hybrid publisher.Jennifer shares how Raven and Grace Press supports authors through every stage — from editing and cover design to marketing and distribution (with books going into over 300 bookstores globally, including Barnes & Noble). She also talks about their unique two-month book writing contest, the value of accountability, and the importance of community for authors.

In this episode, Liz welcomes Amanda Botfeld, published author and founder of Finally Get Your Book Done. Amanda shares how her co-creative, live book-writing process transforms the often isolating and costly ghostwriting experience—especially for women seeking to share personal memoirs. The conversation covers the uniqueness of her service, why traditional ghostwriting is so expensive, the importance of storytelling, and ways writing a book can be a deeply therapeutic accomplishment.

In this lively and insightful episode, Liz welcomes Mel McSherry, an international business and life guide, to talk all things human design, sustainable business, and personal growth. The conversation ranges from personal anecdotes about navigating difficult people to deep dives into how human design can shape the way entrepreneurs run their lives and businesses. Mel shares her journey from fitness and network marketing to discovering human design and how it transformed both her business approach and her personal life. If you’re curious about how understanding your unique energetic blueprint can unlock a new level of success, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Liz chats with Danielle Hendon, founder of Four Corners CFO—a financial advisory firm that helps service-based business owners make sense of their numbers and build businesses that support the lives they want. Danielle shares how she landed on her business name, her unique six-part financial framework, and busts common myths about CFO services (spoiler: they don’t do taxes or bookkeeping!).Together, Liz and Danielle dive into practical money matters: when you might be ready for a CFO, how intuition blends with financial decisions, and why profit matters more than just revenue growth. Danielle also gives concrete examples for managing business expenses, handling feast-or-famine workflows, and how to confidently make hiring decisions.They also share a fun, unscripted moment when they discover they work with the same CPA, and discuss the importance of having a supportive financial team.

Kristen Nolan has built her career on a simple truth: authentic connection drives results. With over a decade in corporate sales and account management across tech and retail, she now leverages that relationship expertise as a Senior Client Account Manager at Interview Valet, where she transforms podcast interviews into strategic revenue engines.Kristen doesn’t just book guest spots—she architects comprehensive interview marketing campaigns. She identifies target audiences, aligns messaging with host demographics, and builds conversion funnels that turn listeners into leads and customers. Her MBA from American Military University, earned while supporting her military spouse Josh through multiple relocations, taught her to execute under pressure and adapt strategies quickly.When she’s not crafting podcast marketing strategies, you’ll find Kristen cheering her son at football games, supporting her oldest daughter at lacrosse matches and cheer competitions, or wrangling her youngest daughter around Tampa with their rescue dog, Fifi. Connection powers everything she does—professionally and personally.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Liz welcomes Kristen Nolan from Interview Valet for a candid and insightful conversation about podcast guesting, visibility, and how to actually convert those appearances into measurable business results. Kristen shares her expertise on being intentional with your podcast strategy, why not all exposure is equal, and how aligning your message with the right audiences is key. Sprinkled throughout the episode are fun anecdotes about motherhood, Dr. Seuss, and even tips for making podcast interviews less nerve-wracking!Key Topics CoveredThe Magic of Podcast Guesting: Kristen explains how Interview Valet helps business owners turn podcast interviews into revenue—not just visibility. Learn the difference between being everywhere vs. being in the right place.Strategic Visibility: Why simply saying “yes” to every podcast isn’t effective, and how audience alignment and messaging matter for real business growth.Conversion Funnels for Podcasts: Kristen walks through her method of offering listeners a “small yes, medium yes, and a heck yes” — structuring calls to action to maximize engagement from interviews.The Importance of Preparation: Tips for being a gracious, well-prepared guest and why relationships and respect for the host matter in the podcasting community.Remote Work and Military Spouses: Kristen shares the unique aspect of Interview Valet’s largely remote team (with many military spouses!), and how that supports both the business and the staff.When You’re Ready to Pitch Yourself: Advice for business owners on how to know when you’re ready for podcast guesting, and the importance of clarity around your audience and messaging.Podcast Guest Success Stories: Real examples of clients who turned podcast interviews into major business wins through effective strategy and follow-through.Fun MomentsLiz and Kristen bond over Dr. Seuss books and the joys (and chaos) of motherhood.Lively stories about pet rescue, kids’ snacks, and life as a military family.Liz’s “hard-hitting” questions about cost, readiness, and common guest faux pas.Behind-the-scenes of Interview Valet’s team culture and upcoming plans for podcast conferences.

Susan Leahy, MA, CSP is a dynamic and inspiring speaker, trainer, and coach with over 20 years of experience transforming leaders and boardrooms. As the founder of Robert’s Rules Made Simple, she has trained and coached more than 10,000 board members and meeting chairs across North America, giving them the skills and confidence to run healthy, effective, and engaging meetings. Susan’s passion for this work is deeply personal. After watching her mother serve five years on a dysfunctional city government board, she saw how toxic meetings don’t just waste time—they drain health, energy, and life. While she doesn’t believe that experience caused her mother’s cancer, she knows it didn’t help. That realization fuels her mission: using Robert’s Rules not just as a productivity tool, but as a pathway to healthier, more respectful, and more human meeting dynamics. A Certified Speaking Professional and founding member of the Association of Transformational Leaders, Susan brings humor, heart, and practical strategies to every stage. Her message is simple yet profound: Time is life, and your life matters—stop wasting it in poorly run meetings. Download Episode Transcript Episode Highlights Meet Susan Leahy: Susan shares her unique background growing up with a mother who was a professional clown (yes, really!), and how that early exposure to creativity and joy impacted her approach to life and her business today. Origin Story: Susan recounts how, as a teenager, she joined her mother at a junior college class on Robert’s Rules of Order—her first introduction to meeting management that would later shape her career. What Are Robert’s Rules of Order? Susan explains the history behind Robert’s Rules, why General Henry M. Robert wrote a parliamentary procedure handbook in 1876, and how it became the gold standard for running board and organizational meetings. She discusses how these rules can help bring order, civility, and effectiveness to meetings of all sizes—whether for large organizations, small nonprofits, HOAs, or even family discussions. Modernizing a Classic: Susan reveals how she brings energy, fun, and modern relevance to the (traditionally dry) topic of Robert’s Rules—making the process more accessible, less intimidating, and empowering for today’s leaders. From Boardroom to Bedroom: The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Susan talks about how the principles of structure, order, and intention can also be applied to personal relationships—including marriage. She notes that having structure actually frees people up to communicate better and have more fun. Practical Wisdom: How understanding just seven fundamental motions can help anyone feel more confident in running or participating in meetings. The importance of having an agenda, setting intention, and valuing everyone’s time and life. Why structure in meetings and relationships creates more “rhythm” and less chaos. Empowering Leaders: Susan shares stories from her 20+ years in this field, including helping boards resolve conflict before turning to lawyers, and how simple changes in meeting dynamics can make a world of difference. Decision-making in the Age of AI: Both Liz and Susan discuss the irreplaceable human element of group decisions and why, despite advances in technology, real conversations and choices should remain a uniquely human process. Resources and How to Work with Susan: Whether for your board, your business, or your personal life, Susan offers online programs and coaching to help you “chair a meeting with confidence” and create healthier dynamics—everywhere. Links Mentioned Visit robertsrulesmadesimple.com for Susan’s online training programs on meeting management and parliamentary procedure. For personal/couples coaching and resources: susanleahy.com Key Takeaway Effective meetings (and relationships!) thrive on clear structure, intention, and respect for everyone’s time—because “time equals life.” By learning even the basics of Robert’s Rules and bringing purposeful energy into your gatherings, you can create healthier, happier environments at work and at home. Connect with Susan: robertsrulesmadesimple.com susanleahy.com