Entrepreneur Conundrum

Guest: Mel McSherry
LinkedIn: @melmcsherry
Instagram: @mel_mcsherry

Episode Highlights:

• Mel’s entrepreneurial origin story and the transition from fitness to business coaching
• Why honoring your energy is essential for sustainable success
• How human design can validate your instincts and simplify decision-making
• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to follow copy-paste business advice
• The difference between “coach” and “guide”—and why Mel prefers the latter
• Her dream of hosting or joining more in-person retreats
• Simple energy management tips you can start using today

Want a safe, no-pressure chat with Mel?
👉 Book a complimentary virtual coffee: virtualcaffeewithmel.com

🔗 Listen to the full episode

Key Questions

(00:54) Can you share with us how you ended up where you 

(10:09) So who do you serve now?

(11:43) How do you get in front of those people?

(13:04) You had mentioned LinkedIn earlier. Do you still use that platform today?

(15:28) What are some common mistakes that people tend to be doing when they first come to work?

(20:06) You had mentioned the readings in the charts a couple of times. What are some of the areas that get covered.

(25:28) Do I fill out a questionnaire? Is that how we would do it?

(27:20) So what are some big goals that you are looking to achieve in the next year?

(28:44) How would that affect your business?

(31:39) Do you have any tips or things that you can share with us in regards to being profitable, mentally, emotionally, and financially every day?

(33:21) What's the best advice that you have ever received?

(34:27) What about the best advice you've ever given

(34:53) Is there something that we haven't touched on that you would like to talk about?

(35:19) Sounds good. Speaking of which, where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?

Mel McSherry

https://www.melmcsherry.com
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmcsherry/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mel_mcsherry

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Jhana Li
Company: Spyglass Ops
Platforms:
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
💼 LinkedIn
📺 YouTube

Topics Discussed:

• The real reason most entrepreneurs stall out
  
   
• How operations can make or break your ability to scale
  
   
• When to hire operations help (hint: not when the house is already on fire)
  
   
• The three pillars of intrinsic leadership
  
   
• What founders get wrong about delegation
  
   
• Why Jhana loves operations (and why you don’t have to)
  
   
• Her system to resist shiny object syndrome
  
   
• How to build A-player teams—remotely
  
   

📩 DM “entrepreneur conundrum podcast” to @thejhanali on IG for free training and support

Key Questions
(00:58) Can you tell us a little bit about how you got to where you are?

(02:17) Who would you say are your ideal clients these days?

(02:43) When you say operations side, what are you meaning?

(04:03) How do you get in front of these people?

(04:52) Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls that clients tend to have when they start working with you?

(06:45) So in an ideal situation then, when would I know that right now it's a really good time to come and see you?

(08:07) Are some of those people, or a lot of those people, scared to, let's say, give up the power?

(09:34) What are some big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?

(10:34) Can you share with us a little bit about building A teams, especially ones that are remote?

(12:51) Do you think that they don't hire up because they have that subconscious fear, or could it be like a money thing? Oh, they're too expensive.

(15:03) Intrinsic leadership. How can we lead even if we're not the smartest one in the party?

(20:44) Don't just set goals, hit them. What can you tell us about that?

(23:08) How do you go down the track with blinders on and not get distracted by the shiny?

(25:01) So then you just make a list of them all, and then when the next quarter comes up, you reevaluate that list and see if there's any that are still interesting?

(26:11) What is some of the best advice that you have ever received?

(28:29) So did it happen just because of conversations you had with them with like, I'm expecting this to be different, or was it just the energy that you brought to the table?

(29:42) What's the best advice you've ever given?

(33:30) We did cover a variety of things, but is there something that we didn't touch on that you would like to?

(35:02) Where can we reach you at and learn more about what you do?

Jhana Li

https://spyglassops.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejhanali
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theJhanaLi/

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Show Notes

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Colleen’s caregiving journey led to her business
   
• The biggest planning mistakes solopreneurs make
   
• The four pillars of business safety: Money, Insurance, Succession, and Legal Prep
   
• What a “Knock Box” is—and why you need one
   
• The real cost of not planning for emergencies
   
• Her tips on getting in front of the right clients
   
• Why LinkedIn is her platform of choice
   

Links & Resources:

• Website: www.centuryplantbusinessservices.com
   
• LinkedIn: Colleen Watson
   
• Book a session with Colleen: calendly.com/centuryplant
   

Follow Virginia:

• Website: entrepreneurconundrum.com
   
• Instagram: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast
   
• Facebook: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast
   
• Twitter: @EnConundrumPod
   

Key Questions

(00:53) Can you tell us a little bit about your entrepreneurial journey?

(04:23) Who are your ideal clients?

(06:34) How do you get in front of those people?

(08:28) Do you do you social media as well to help get in front of those people to have those conversations?

(10:56) Is there someone that you refer them to or just help them find their own person to help them.

(14:10) Do you help people just in the US or do you go other places as well?

(16:05) What are some of the safety So it's the safety net or the four pillars that people should have.

(20:57) So do you have all your ducks in a row?

(24:03) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?

(30:03) What's the best advice that you have ever received?

(31:58) What's the best advice you've ever given?

(33:34) Is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to touch on?

Colleen Watson

https://www.centuryplantbusinessservices.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-watson/

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Show Notes

• Guest: Chris Vance, CEO of Playground Sessions
• Website: playgroundsessions.com
• Socials:
  
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Threads
• Key topics:
  
  • Chris’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship
  • How Playground Sessions revolutionizes music learning
  • Building a global brand with strong retention rates
  • Marketing strategies: SEO, app store optimization, PR, and influencer collaborations
  • Importance of balance, personal growth, and lifelong learning
  • The evolving world of digital piano learning and gamification
• Chris’s best advice: Stay focused, learn deeply, and lead with integrity
• Connect with Chris: LinkedIn
• Check out Playground Sessions: playgroundsessions.com

Key Questions

(00:59) How did you end up where you are today?

(04:12)  Who is your ideal avatar nowadays?

(05:31) So do schools utilize you guys as well?

(06:24) Is it just piano or do you have other instruments, too?

(06:35)  How do you get in front of your customers?

(09:20) Do you do anything for referrals?

(10:40) You mentioned a goal being expanding to other instruments like guitar Are there any other big goals that you have in the next year or two?

(12:33) What do you feel is your number one roadblock from reaching that? Is it just customer retention or do you think it's more?

(14:20) Can you talk to us a little bit about bootstrapping and scaling and some lessons that you've learned along the way?

(17:14) How has it been for you to intersect, combine your music and the technology and your community all together?

(19:30) Can you walk us through? I want to learn how to play. I have a keyboard, piano. I get your app, then what? How does it work?

(22:36) What's the best advice that you have ever been given, that you've ever received?

(25:47)  What's the best advice you have ever given?

(30:35) Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you did want to talk about?

(31:42) How do you manage or balance your time?

(33:37)  Where can we learn about you and what you do?

Chris Vance

playgroundsessions.com
https://www.instagram.com/playgroundsessions/profilecard/?igsh=d3p1dGpjbWFla3Bp

https://www.tiktok.com/@playgroundsessions?_t=8qxYEpPo5nD&_r=1

https://www.threads.net/@playgroundsessions

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

SHOW NOTES

Guest: Andrew Amann
Website: ninetwothree.co
LinkedIn: Andrew Amann
X/Twitter: @andrewamann

Key topics:

• Andrew’s pivot from mechanical engineering to AI and software development
  
   
• Early experiments with digital transformation, including VBA-coded automations
  
   
• Founding 923 Studio and delivering 150+ innovative AI and ML products
  
   
• Ideal clients: established brands with innovation labs and funded startups
  
   
• How Andrew and his team win business through SEO, conferences, and LinkedIn outreach
  
   
• Stabilization and growth goals for 923 Studio in 2025
  
   
• How AI can be implemented in enterprise businesses, starting with a knowledge base
  
   
• Balancing business growth with a holistic lifestyle for employees
  
   
• Andrew’s best advice: become an apprentice, learn from both good and bad bosses
  
   
• The 923 Studio name: inspired by their early days working 9 PM to 3 AM
  
   
• Tips for building AI solutions that truly solve real-world problems
  
   

Key Questions

(01:19) Can you tell us a bit about how you ended up where you are today?

(03:15) Who would be your ideal client these days?

(04:03) How do you get in front of these people?

(04:35) Do you have repeat customers?

(05:55) What are some big goals that you'd like to achieve in the next year?

(06:45) Do you use AI within your business?

(08:07) So your goals that you have, how would that affect your business?

(08:55) What do you feel is the number one roadblock from you guys getting there?.

(09:20) Can you talk a little bit about successful AI transformation in enterprise companies?

(11:33) Do you have any tips or anything about how to build AI solutions that will solve our real problems like you were talking about?

(12:55) How about running a holistic agency that uses profit to enhance the lifestyle of all employees?

(13:49) What is the best piece of advice that you've ever received?

(15:13) How did you come up with the business name?

(15:54) What's the best advice you have ever given?

(17:54) Is there anything else that you would like to touch on?

(18:02)  Where can we go to learn more about you and what you're doing?

Andrew Amann

www.ninetwothree.co

Andrew Amann | LinkedIn

x.com/andrewamann

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Angela Fowler
Website: www.reallifeaccess.com

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why accessibility is a business growth strategy, not a compliance issue
• The shocking $2 trillion in buying power you're likely overlooking
• Common accessibility mistakes on websites and how to fix them
• How inclusive hiring can become your competitive advantage
• Angela’s personal story of transforming frustration into impact
• Tips to audit your website from a user’s perspective
• Why clear feedback is more helpful than polite compliments

Resources Mentioned:

• WebAIM Contrast Checker
• Angela’s Accessibility Jumpstart Kit (available via newsletter signup)

Connect with Angela:
🔗 www.reallifeaccess.com

Key Questions

(02:05) How did you end up where you are today?

(04:08) Who do you say is your ideal client?

(04:41) How do you get in front of them?

(05:39) You had mentioned taking courses for blog posts and stuff like that. Do you do anything on social media?

(09:20) What are a couple of big goals you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?

(11:49) How is implementing all that stuff into your business? How would that affect your business?

(12:17) What do you feel is the number one roadblock for you reaching those goals?

(13:59) What are some of the things I need to put on my website to be able to help people with disabilities, visual disabilities, to be able to access my website?

(17:03) Are there any stats or numbers or anything that you can share with us on how having accessibility aspects the business's revenue has increased? Like their profit was there?

(18:40) What are some of the other aspects? Because we did touch on website, but what are some other things, other examples?

(20:29) What is some of the best advice that you have ever received?

(21:42) Well, what's the best advice you have ever given?

(23:04) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?

Angela Fowler

http://www.reallifeaccess.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-fowler-69540135

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Michelle Wilson
Business: Wilson Legal
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wilsonlegal
Instagram: @wilson.legal
YouTube: @wilsonlegal164

Topics Discussed:

• Michelle’s surprising path to law (it all started with a speeding ticket)
  
   
• Launching her firm with $10K and no heating
  
   
• The impact of the BRCA1 gene on her business operations
  
   
• How she stepped away for 12 weeks—and had her best month ever
  
   
• Using mindset coaching and systems to scale
  
   
• Her vision to reach $10M in revenue and serve 10,000 Georgia families
  
   
• The role of letters, legacy, and emotionally intelligent estate planning
  
   
• What makes an “A” client—and why she lets the “F” ones go
  
   

Book Mentioned:
So I Can Love You Longer: A Mother’s Message to Her Daughter
Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible.

Key Questions

(01:05) How did you get to be where you are?

(06:49) Have you stepped yourself out of your business?

(09:29) How does that make you feel? Mixed emotion?

(10:37) Who would you say are your ideal people to work with? Your ideal clients?

(13:17) How do you get in front of these people?

(16:19) To work with you, do I need to live near you?

(20:52) What are some big goals we have for the next year or two?

(22:08) What do you think is the number one roadblock that's stopping you from getting those goals?

(27:25) One of the things I was going to ask is, how have you found overcoming financial obstacles?

(31:04) Did you find that you went online more? That your business went online?

(34:48) What is some of the best advice that you have ever received?

(38:31) What's the best advice that you have ever given?

(42:21) Anyway, is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to?

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with Lorie Spence and Carolyn Pritchard, cofounders of Bridge Medical Communications, a woman-led Canadian company focused on closing the gap between healthcare professionals and patients.

With over 40 years of combined experience in healthcare and a deep passion for patient outcomes, Lorie and Carolyn share their journey of building Bridge, launching the Connect division, and pioneering new ways for providers and patients to collaborate. They also discuss their upcoming Empower Her conference focused on women’s health and their new initiative to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Topics discussed:

• How Bridge Medical Communications was born
   
• Their ideal clients and where they operate
   
• Patient-centered care and empowering both providers and patients
   
• The evolution of social media in healthcare communications
   
• Launching the “Empower Her” conference in March 2024
   
• The value of cofoundership and aligned values
   
• Advice for future entrepreneurs and co-founders
   
• How action and persistence fuel long-term success
   

👥 Guest Links:

🌐 Website:

 https://www.bridgemedcomms.com

🔗 Lorie Spence on LinkedIn:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorie-spence-35a30a16

🔗 Carolyn Pritchard on LinkedIn:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-pritchard

📸 Instagram:

 @cofoundershq

📸 Instagram:

 @bridgemedcomms

Key Questions

(01:37) How did you guys end up where you are today?

(02:15) Who do you guys mainly work with now? Who's your ideal client?

(02:35) Where are those groups located? Which country are they?

(03:14) When you talk about linking health care providers with patients, what's your ideal scenario?

(05:02) Are you doing anything online, like social media aspect, your things like that?

(07:41) Along with that conference, what are some other big goals that you guys have in the next year?

(09:52) Can you guys talk a little bit about the power of collaboration and the value of having a co founder or someone to work like that?

(11:46) What's some of the best advice that you guys have ever received?

(13:23) What's the best advice that you've ever given?

(15:33) Can you explain a little bit or elaborate on... Because you would like to build a team of women as you're expanding and growing and stuff like that, is there a particular reason why you would like to just be in and supporting female entrepreneurs or female team?

(16:26) I appreciate you guys being with us today. Thank you. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you guys would like to talk about?

(16:59) With the other healthcare professionals, are they out on their own aspect with this, or are they more closely related with the hospitals and the healthcare system? Where's their picture in all of this?

(17:55) If I was a nurse's practitioner and I wanted to maybe out on my own or do some courses and stuff like that? Is that something that you help now or something that you're wanting to build when you help more the entrepreneurial?

(18:34) Where can we go to find out more about you guys and what you're doing?

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Christian Banach
Website: www.ChristianBanach.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianbanach

What we cover:

• Christian’s journey from concert promoter to sales leader
• Why most firms plateau with word-of-mouth referrals
• The evolving landscape of outbound prospecting
• Why email marketing is broken (and how to fix it)
• The mindset shift from lead generation to relationship-making
• Strategic planning when your sales cycles are long
• Creating newsletters your audience actually wants to read
• Christian’s long-term goal to build and exit his business
   

Resources & Links

• Sign up for Christian’s newsletter: ChristianBanach.com

Key Questions

(00:57) Is there anything else that you'd like to fill in with us about how you got to where you are today?

(02:18) So today, who are the ideal clients that you want to work with?

(03:37) Is there typically something that clients have, just before they start working with you, that they're either doing or a misconception that they have that's basically holding them back?

(06:23) How do you guys get in front of those companies?

(08:32) What are some big goals that you guys have in the next year or two?

(10:11) And how would that affect your business?

(11:19) Is it hard to remove yourself from being the bottleneck?

(12:27) Other than maybe being yourself, and if it on that side, what do you feel is the number one roadblock that's getting in the way from you guys achieving the goals that you just shared?

(13:33) Do you have any tips or anything like that that you can share with us in regards to email marketing?

(17:10) What was the best advice that you have ever received Please.

(19:17) What's the best advice you've ever given?

(20:54) Do you ever have a call to action on those emails where it's like, if you had a similar story, want to let me know about it or anything like that?

(22:46) Why do you feel like relationship making is the future for business development?

(24:37) If relationships take a while, and it takes a while before I can get them as business, how does that change your business planning and your future planning and stuff like that?

(26:49) Is there anything in particular that you would like to talk about today?

(27:49) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?

Christian Banach 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbanach/

www.ChristianBanach.com

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.co