Permission To Lead with Cindy Monroe

In this special episode, we're revisiting 5 guests who left you feeling empowered and inspired in 2023. You’ll enjoy a handpicked clip from each guest’s episode that will help you lead, achieve, and flourish—both personally and professionally. We’re talking about mom guilt. Leading your employees. Betting on yourself to start a business. Choosing what words to use to sell your products. Growing in confidence. Yep, these are ALL things we’re covering—and so much more! You’ll get actionable advice you can implement in the coming year to grow your business and make more money. Connect with Joey Coleman HERE. Connect with Paula Faris HERE. Connect with Phil M. Jones HERE. Connect with Becca Ingle HERE. Connect with Erin King HERE. Shop Thirty-One HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

What if the blueprint for business success is already in the hands of female founders, just waiting to be fully realized? My guest today, Ali Wyatt, has consistently been at the forefront of women-led business innovation. She’s the co-founder of Female Founder Collective alongside Rebecca Minkoff—and a business builder, advisor to start-ups, and investor in female-funded businesses. Today, Ali shares what makes female-led startups stand out and how you can secure funding from other investors. Then she reveals how she took Refinery29’s revenue from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions of dollars in just 4 years. Plus the emerging trends in the startup world that hold promise, especially for women-led businesses. Connect with Ali Wyatt HERE. Check out Female Founder Collective HERE. Shop Thirty-One HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

What if the key to unlocking your business's potential lies in the way you connect with your body? Robin Long's journey from personal struggles with body image to global wellness leader is proof that it absolutely can. Today, Robin takes us from her initial Pilates awakening to becoming the CEO and founder of Lindywell, one of the first online Pilates platforms that's now impacting lives in over 100 countries. In this episode, Robin opens up about the shift from “fixing” to “embracing” her body and how to create habits that don’t take up brain space or cause anxiety. Plus, she explains how Lindywell’s marketing clicks with women of all ages—from young moms to those in their 80s. From her early challenges with body image to starting one of the first online Pilates platforms, Robin's story is a masterclass in turning personal passion into a thriving business. Connect with Robin Long HERE. Check out Lindywell HERE. Shop Thirty-One HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

The most powerful tool for persuading people to take action isn’t technology. It’s your words. My guest today, Phil M. Jones, is going to tell you exactly what to say to create the business, opportunity, and impact you want. Phil is the author of the international bestselling book Exactly What to Say – The Magic Words for Influence and Impact. At just 14 years old, Phil went from single-handedly washing cars on weekends to hiring a fleet of friends working on his behalf. He was earning more than his teachers by the time he was 15! Today, Phil shares the key words and phrases you can easily weave into your daily conversations to grow your business. He even shares the “magic words” that can help you effectively communicate your boundaries without compromising on your relationships or goals. And if you’re in the early stage in your business, Phil shares some phrases you can say to build trust with potential clients or investors. This is a super practical episode with phrases and tools you can immediately implement in your business. Connect with Phil M. Jones HERE. Buy Phil’s book HERE. Shop Thirty-One HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

Today, I’m talking about something super close to my heart: giving. I'm breaking down giving into 3 easy pieces: what it means for you personally, for your business, and for your community. (It’s like your Thanksgiving plate – a little bit of everything!) Here’s the fun part: You get to mix and match your giving style. Whether you're the “helping hand” type, the “write a check” kind, or the “volunteer your time” sort, there's a way for everyone to get in on the action. And your business will thank you for it! Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode will guide you in identifying the right type of giving for you and your business. Shop Thirty-One HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

You want your business to make an impact in the community and world around you. In fact, I believe that when your business is generous and supports a cause your customers can rally behind, they’re more likely to keep buying from you. My guest today, Jenn Hawley, has a deep passion for bridging the gap between profit and purpose. After nearly 20 years in the private sector, Jenn decided she wanted to use her business skills to help women and children in poverty. Jenn now serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Engagement for World Vision—a humanitarian relief organization that serves nearly 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. Today, Jenn shares why she believes in the power of partnerships between businesses and nonprofits. Plus, how you can turn your company into a force for good that stands out in a crowded marketplace and the long-term benefits for your internal culture and values when you and your employees are part of a cause that’s bigger than yourself. Whether you’re just starting a business or a seasoned CEO, this conversation will give you the tools you need to make your mark in a way that’s sustainable, ethical, and impactful. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Check out World Vision HERE. Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

Want to turn your hobby into a million-dollar business? That’s exactly what my friend Heidi Crowl did—and it all started 20 years ago at her kitchen table with a passion for card-making and dreaming of a business where she could find all her card supplies in one place. Today, Heidi is the founder of Simon Says Stamps, your one-stop shop for paper crafting goodness and the world's largest selection of paper art supplies. In this episode, Heidi and I talk about why it’s so important for entrepreneurs to have a creative outlet. Plus, how she’s grown Simon Says Stamp by partnering with other creatives and how to harness the power of using video content for your brand on social media. Heidi even reveals how to navigate leading well in your business when things aren’t going well in your personal life. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Check out Simon Says Stamps HERE. Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

You have an incredible idea—and you know it could help a lot of people. But there’s a problem: Other people don’t see its power yet. So how do you connect your idea to the right audience? My guest today, Tamsen Webster, calls finding that connection your “Red Thread.” And she wants to help your idea impact the world. As a renowned speaker, consultant, and TEDx idea strategist, Tamsen has spent the last twenty years helping experts drive action from their ideas. She focuses on how to find and build the stories partners, investors, clients, and customers will tell themselves. Today, Tamsen shares how to find your own “Red Thread” for that business idea you can’t get out of your head. Plus, she reveals the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when getting their audience to take action. And why stories can be powerful tools to use in your marketing and how to leverage them in your business. If you have an idea you’re ready to take action on, but don’t know your next steps, this episode is for you. Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Connect with Tamsen HERE. Buy Tamsen’s new book HERE. Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

One of the top questions I get asked: “How do you maintain a strong, loving connection with your spouse while running a business?” Scott and I are celebrating 30 years of marriage this month. (I know, I know. He’s put up with me for a long time!) We’ve walked through many different seasons together—and Scott has been my rock through it all. Literally, since we got married when I was 19! Today, to celebrate 30 years of marriage, I’m doing a special Q&A episode with Scott. We’re answering a lot of the questions you’ve emailed in over this past year—including marriage, business, and empty-nesting, and more! Get my FREE PDF HERE (5 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Spouse While Growing a Business). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

My guest today, Tina Wells, turned a business that she launched at sixteen into an award-winning marketing agency. She would go on to have clients like Dell, The Oprah Winfrey Network, Kroger, Apple, and more. But her massive success came with massive burnout—and she needed to rethink how she thought about work and life. That’s how Tina developed her four-phase plan called the Elevation Approach, which helps you launch the business while experiencing the joy and meaning you’ve always wanted. Today, Tina shares the big “aha” moment that led to the foundation of her two-decade-long business and why she was drawn to entrepreneurship at such a young age. Plus, she reveals why more entrepreneurs need to be talking about burnout and how to conquer the fear that no one will buy what you’re selling. And—Tina shares the one business trend every business owner needs to be integrating into their strategy right now. Connect with Tina HERE. Buy Tina’s new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

Women are often told they just need to dream bigger and be more confident to achieve business success. But while big dreams and confidence might get you started, my guest today, Erin King, believes you need something more to get you over the finish line. You need audacity—and what Erin calls your “Big Deal Energy.” Erin King is a digital entrepreneur, podcaster, and international keynote speaker. She is the CEO of Socialite Agency, a social media firm whose clients include the Oscars, ABC/Disney, VISA, and more. Erin specializes in helping entrepreneurs elevate their persuasion power and activate their audacity. Today, Erin shares why so many women feel insecurity and fear and practical ways to grow your confidence so you grow your business. Plus, how she coined the term “Big Deal Energy” and how you can easily integrate it into your life. If you’re struggling with stepping out of your comfort zone to take action on your goals, this conversation with Erin will give you the boost of confidence you need. Connect with Erin HERE. Buy Erin’s new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

You started out with big ambitions to start or scale your business. Then one day you look up and instead of chasing your dreams, you’re just trying to get through the day. What happened? But what if there's a better way? A way to rekindle that excitement and ambition you once had—while thriving in your personal life and career! My guest today, Dr. Heather Penny, is a leadership coach, author, and speaker, who helps women like you step into their best life as they recognize the unique strengths they have to offer. Today, Heather reveals the 3 Cs behind her transformative coaching process and why so many women have lost their drive and feel stuck on the hamster wheel. Then, she shares how to prioritize rest without feeling guilty and how to set boundaries with people who drain your energy. Connect with Heather HERE. Buy Heather’s new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

I didn’t know much about launching a business when I started Thirty-One. I constantly doubted myself and remember thinking, Would anyone actually want to buy from me? Would they want what I was selling? Can I actually do this? Chances are, you have a business idea floating around in your head or have an existing business you want to grow. It can feel scary and absolutely overwhelming if you don’t have a proven plan to guide you. Early on, I chose a few guiding principles that helped me make smart hiring decisions, choose my product offerings wisely, and grow Thirty-One into the business it is 20 years later. Today, I want to share those 3 principles with you—and why I believe EVERY entrepreneur must know them in order to grow their business. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy my new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

How do you retain your best people AND turn your customers into raving fans—without busting your marketing budget? My guest Joey Coleman specializes in teaching small startups to major brands how to create memorable experiences for your employees and customers, so you make more money. As the author of Never Lose a Customer Again and his newest book, Never Lose an Employee Again, Joey provides strategies and tactics to transform one-time purchasers into lifelong customers and keep your employees for the long run. In today's episode, Joey explains why the first 100 days are critical for customer retention and practical ways to make your employees care about your business as much as you do. He also shares the best ways to welcome a new employee, how to adapt retention strategies in today's changing work environment, and cost-effective methods to wow customers. We’ll even dive into how his past experiences with the White House, the Secret Service, and the CIA have shaped his view of employee and customer retention. (Yes, I totally asked about it!) Buy Joey’s new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

Shelene Bryan’s journey started with sponsoring two kids from Africa. But curiosity got the better of her…and she decided to fly to Uganda unannounced and see what was actually happening with her money. What she discovered changed her life. Today, Shelene is the founder of Skip1.org. She’s shown the world that when you skip the purchase of one small thing you don’t need, your act of kindness can reverberate in ways you can never imagine. Shelene also gets candid about her faith and the huge role it’s played in her life. Plus, she shares the multiple paths God took her on to say goodbye to her comfort and take risks in faith. Get ready to be moved, motivated, and challenged with my conversation with Shelene Bryan.

When it feels like your worth is determined by your work and your calling equals your career, how do you talk to your kids about identity? I’m so excited to welcome back Paula Faris to the podcast. She’s an Emmy Award-winning journalist, podcaster, speaker, business owner, mom of three, and author of the new book, Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Today, we are diving into a topic many parents and business owners wrestle with. It’s the identity crisis facing kids today. How do we walk alongside our kids as they discover who they want to be—not just what they want to become? Paula and I talk about how society's equation of worth with career has impacted this generation of kids. Plus, Paula shares the parenting approach she’s using to change the conversation with her kids, including the practical questions you can ask your kids today. Paula even reveals how the media's representation of success and achievement has influenced her approach towards parenting (this was super interesting!). Your worth and value are found in so much more than a job or career—and your kids need to know that too. This episode will show you how! Buy Paula’s new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

As a busy business owner and parent, I know the back-to-school transition can feel extremely challenging. How do you strike the balance between running a business and being there for your family? So today, I've got you covered with 5 essential back-to-school strategies that not only kept my family in sync but also boosted my business productivity. It's about cultivating an environment where everyone thrives—whether it's in the classroom, at the dinner table, or in the boardroom. Dive into this episode as we explore how you can flourish in both your business and personal life during the back-to-school hustle. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

Caris Snider doesn't just write about anxiety, depression, fear, and shame. She's lived them. She's overcome them. And now, she's teaching other women how to do the same. Caris is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and author of several devotionals for both teens and parents dealing with topics from anxiety to comparison. Today, Caris shares her honest journey of dealing with crippling anxiety and depression and explains why anxiety is such a prevalent issue for women and how it holds us back. Plus, Caris offers practical, effective strategies to counteract your negative self-thoughts and how to talk about these hard topics with your kids so you can learn together. And of course, how you can ditch perfectionism and embrace the messiness of life. Buy Caris’ new book HERE. Get my FREE PDF HERE (10 Actionable Business Strategies You Can Implement Immediately). Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.

I absolutely love bringing powerhouse women onto my show, and today is no exception. With a passionate online community of over 1.2 million strong, Alexis Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, media personality, activist, and author of I AM THAT GIRL and Joy Hunter. Today, Alexis shares the pivotal moments that set the stage for her career in media and the powerful story behind starting ProtectHer, an educational program fostering respect for women, in a locker room. We have a really honest conversation about men's role in ending violence against women and how people are responding to her work through her new documentary. Then, Alexis reveals her strategy for building and maintaining such an engaged audience who believe in her message—and how you can do the same for your business. Plus, she also shares how she deals with doubt or insecurity in the public eye. I love hearing stories of how women are challenging the norms and pushing boundaries to create change—which is why I think you’ll love hearing from Alexis. Buy Alexis’ new book HERE. Join my email list HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE.

Mignon François turned the $5 she had to feed her family dinner for the week into a multi-million-dollar bakery brand. After years of drowning in debt and brokenness, Mignon founded her bakery, The Cupcake Collection in 2008. She’s sold over five million cupcakes to date—and her incredible story of resilience has received national attention through her new book, Made From Scratch. Today, Mignon shares how she managed to build a debt-free business while raising six kids and how she handled the many moments when she felt like giving up. Plus, she reveals the biggest challenges she had to navigate after her business took off and the key advice every entrepreneur should know if you want to scale. (My favorite part was when she talked about what to do when you feel misunderstood and underestimated as a business owner!) Buy Mignon’s new book HERE. Join my email list HERE. Buy your copy of Cindy’s new book, More Than a Bag, HERE. For daily leadership + business tips, follow Cindy on Instagram HERE.