The Modern Independent

Join us on a captivating journey with Julie, the design and construction industry's narrative master, who opens up about her transformative career path, from weathering the storm of the 2008 economic downturn to becoming an ardent enthusiast of building and design. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone eager to learn how to turn their industry passion into a thriving niche, as Julie takes us through her experiences with Indie Collective, her leap into authorship with "Get Them to Care," and her wisdom on the importance of personal branding and strategic social media engagement to grow a professional presence.As we unpack Julie's story, we discover how she stumbled into the marketing consultancy business, creating a name for herself within Denver's design and construction circles through her exceptional service and specialized knowledge. The conversation illuminates the Indie Collective curriculum's impact on her life, teaching the value of aligning one's business with the essential aspects of living, lifestyle, and loving relationships. Julie's candid talk about overcoming imposter syndrome and finding work-life balance will resonate with many, offering hope and practical advice to those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.Wrapping up our session, we explore the profound influence of grit and perseverance in achieving long-term goals. Julie shares her insights, drawing from Angela Duckworth's "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," revealing how these qualities have shaped her success as an entrepreneur and writer. We delve into the art of receiving critique, the importance of daily practices in honing discipline, and the ways Julie is available to mentor through LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of community support in personal and professional growth. This episode is not to be missed by emerging leaders and creators, as it's an inspiring testament to the power of passion, resilience, and authentic connection. Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

In this episode of The Launchpad, Brad White joins us for this episode. As a two-time graduate of the IndeCollective cohort, Brad brings to the table his unique experiences, recounting his battles with anxiety and depression and how understanding his own emotions became a compass in navigating his professional endeavors. Brad's narrative offers a testament to the power of legacy, mentorship, and the courage to seize unexpected opportunities.Life's twists and turns often lead us to profound self-discovery, and our conversation with Brad underscores this beautifully. He opens up about the continuous process of shaping one's identity, the influence of key relationships, and the pivotal crossroads that define our personal and professional lives. Brad's journey through significant transitions, including career changes and grief, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of introspection and the support of a community. This episode not only shares the strategies Brad employed but also sheds light on the broader theme of finding one's footing amidst change.As we draw this episode to a close, Brad's story arcs towards the joy of creating a successful independent consulting practice from the ashes of adversity. The nuances of measuring success, the embrace of family life, and the challenge of personal well-being are all threads woven into the fabric of this conversation. If you'd like to connect with brad, you can do so here: Brad WhiteLooking for books/resources mentioned in this podcast:- How Will You Measure Your Life, Clayton Christenson- The Second Mountain, David Brooks- Buy Back Your Time, Dan Martell- ReThinking, Adam Grant Podcast Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

In this episode, IndeCollective Alum and Ike Fontaine joins our Head of Community Jan Almasy to share his remarkable evolution from a touring musician to a podcasting and online business expert. Get ready to unlock the secrets of leveraging a niche audience for impactful client acquisition, and peel back the curtain on the networking and content strategy that can transform a single podcast episode into a multi-platform goldmine. We'll tackle the practicalities and myths surrounding podcast startup—debunking the idea that you need fancy equipment to make waves in the podcasting sea. Whether you're contemplating a podcast launch or transitioning to entrepreneurship, we'll provide the reassurance and actionable advice to help you navigate these waters.Lastly, we confront the emotional and social dynamics of embarking on an independent path, discussing the deep currents of friendships, the law of attraction, and the ripples of positivity we can all send into the world. If our conversation leaves you raring to join an IndeCollective cohort or you're just curious about what it entails, learn more at: https://indecollective.co/program/ Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Have you ever wondered how public speaking can bolster your career, personal brand, or even your wallet? Join us as we delve into these questions with the award-winning entrepreneur and speaking professional, Bobbie Carlton. Bobbie, with her extensive experience as a public speaker, generously shares her journey, reminding us how starting small paves the path to confidence and expertise. She helps us understand the various forms public speaking can assume, from guest podcast appearances to webinars and panel discussions.Our discussion with Bobbie puts a spotlight on the true worth of public speaking. We discuss a story about Warren Buffett and how much he valued the skill of public speaking along with ways to turn your fear of public speaking into fuel for success. As Bobbie points out, public speaking isn't just about standing on a stage; it can help you gain recognition, carve out your personal brand, and set you apart from the crowd. We also explore the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a public speaker. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on the events industry and share tips on finding speaking engagements. For those aiming to establish authority, Bobby discusses the power of writing a book and how it can lay the groundwork for your independent career. Tune in to discover how to leverage public speaking to unlock new opportunities, boost your personal brand, and revolutionize your career.Follow Us for More Content on:Website: https://indecollective.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

What if you could unlock the secrets to turning your manuscript into a polished, published book? What if you had an insider's guide to navigating the complex world of self-publishing? Well, stay tuned because you're in for a treat in this episode with our special guest, Jen T Grace. As an award-winning author, top-notch speaker, and an expert strategist in publishing, Jen's insights are a treasure trove for anyone with a creative endeavor. She candidly shares her journey from being an advice-dreaming teenager to a publishing strategist, and how she successfully handles imposter syndrome.We don't just stop at the journey. We also delve into the process of planning for a book, debunking the misconception of waiting for inspiration to strike. Instead, we underline the importance of discipline, a robust support system, and a pre-set plan to tackle difficult scenarios. Drawing from neuroscience and cognitive behavioral therapy, we'll explore how the brain works and how framing can significantly affect your success. As we navigate through Jen's inspiring story, we'll see hands-on experience and the ability to face challenges play a significant role in achieving success.And as the cherry on top, we dip our toes into the intricate process of transforming a manuscript into a published book. We explore the paths to publishing - traditional, self, and hybrid. The value of investing in a professional team to handle the complexities of self-publishing cannot be overstated, which is why we discuss it in detail. This episode is a must-listen, especially for aspiring authors, to understand the importance of a team of experts in a successful self-publishing journey. So grab your headphones, settle in, and listen up as Jen shares her unique perspective and invaluable insights. Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Gear up for an enriching conversation with Lia, an IndeAlum and successful coach. She shares her inspiring journey - from being an executive to founding her own business, guided by her experience with an executive coach and fueled by the desire to lead authentically. Experiences such as parenthood and coping with the global pandemic led her to pivot and align her path with her true passions and values.Our conversation takes us from Lia building a successful coaching practice to navigating personal growth. Lia offers profound insights into supporting clients through transitions, marrying qualitative and quantitative data to create impactful strategic messages, and recognizing patterns to boost individual and team performance. As the conversation unfolds, we shed light on the power of tandem coaching and its benefits in succession planning, co-founder relationships, and managing organizational changes.Here's a hint - it's not just about understanding and utilizing your superpowers and evolving for continued growth and success - but also understanding your liabilities and how to befriend them in the process.As we bring the episode to a close, we share valuable insights about the mindset shifts necessary for successful entrepreneurship. We emphasize the importance of trust in the process, and creating a service or product that solves a personal need. So, if you've ever wanted to start your own business or if you're just seeking guidance for personal and professional growth, this episode is packed with practical advice, insights, and wisdom. Join us and let's explore the transformative power of coaching together. Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Journey with us on an eye-opening exploration of innovation and disruptive design with Liya Safina, a powerhouse IndeAlumni and a master designer who has left her fingerprints on groundbreaking technologies like AR, VR, and autonomous vehicles. Liya's stellar portfolio, adorned with globally acclaimed brands like Nike, Google, Alibaba, and Toyota, speaks volumes of her prowess. Follow along as we travel through her path to success, her unique perspective of design innovation, and the emerging trends she has noticed recently.We'll talk about: Toyota's audacious venture of erecting a private city in Japan, a clear testament to the company's resolve towards bettering lives and fostering innovation. We attempt to uncover the mystery, examining the vital roles that reactivity and proactivity play. We also delve into the impact of popular technologies like TikTok, blockchain, and AI on our lives, and the potentially life-altering opportunities (and potential threats) these platforms present for self-expression and revenue generation.We wrap up with Liya and Jan musing over AI's profound influence on writing and technology, its impact on digital design, and the philosophical implications it bears. We stress the importance of injecting a 'human touch' when leveraging AI tools, and the critical role experienced professionals play in guiding the next generation. Follow Liya's Journey:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/liyasafinaNewsLetter: https://theg000ds.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liyasafina/Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Does the nitty-gritty of financial management for your venture seem like an uphill battle? This episode with small business financial consultant and coach, Andy Smiles, will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to set your independent business up for success, so you can focus on doing what you love!We kick things off by getting up close and personal with Collective, an all-in-one financial platform tailored for the self-employed. It's not just about crunching numbers and balancing books, it’s about understanding the emotional relationship we have with money. Andy shares her own insight into how Collective has played a pivotal role in her journey, and how it can do the same for you. We also shed light on different business structures, notably the differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S Corps – because, let's face it, these are more than just fancy business jargon. Together, we decode the pros, cons, and tax implications, and Andy even drops some golden nuggets on when to elect to be taxed as an S Corp.In the final part of our journey, we turn our focus to business expenses, particularly those that tend to slip under the radar. Andy underscores the importance of investing in yourself as a business expense, challenging existing notions around this concept. Lastly, we turn the spotlight on self-care and its vital role in managing a business. So, join us for an episode that delivers equal parts financial wisdom and self-care advice, and leave feeling more confident about managing your business and money. Remember, knowledge is power – and we're here to make sure you're well-armed.Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Ready to unlock the mysteries of your personality? Join our Head of Community - Jan Almasy and IndeAlumni Sandhya Sudhakar as they guide you on a journey through the basics of the Enneagram personality framework.Prepare to uncover the nine archetypes this framework offers, each unique with their own behavioral traits and characteristics. These archetypes, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, present an opportunity to enhance our emotional intelligence, offering insights into our recurring arguments, entrepreneurship tendencies, and much more.Venturing deeper into the realm of self-awareness, we'll decipher how the Enneagram can shed light on the hidden corners of our lives and relationships. All this while exploring the potency of embracing our unique superpowers, recognizing our individual strengths leading to growth and alignment in our lives. As the conversation unfolds, we'll reveal how the Enneagram framework can be a valuable tool in leadership and collaboration. Here's a teaser: comprehending diverse personalities can result in more efficient and successful teams. Furthermore, we'll explore those 'aha moments' that the Enneagram can unlock, leading to new pathways and fostering greater self-awareness. So gear up for a spirited journey through the expansive world of the Enneagram personality framework, decoding the patterns that drive us, and realizing that self-awareness can be the secret ingredient to success.Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Ever felt the burn of a side hustle morphing into a full-time gig? We’ve got a treat for you - an exhilarating conversation with our Head of Community, Jan Almasy and Mitchell Golden, a graduate of IndeCollective and a pro-LSAT instructor. He spills the beans on his journey from being a television writer to an LSAT tutor, his unique tutoring style, and how he turned his side hustle into a booming business. As we delve deeper into this illuminating discussion, we explore Mitchell's teaching strategies, his perspective on creating room for errors, and his ingenious concept of incorporating supervised drills in his lessons. Mitchell also takes us on a tour of his experiences with other standardized tests, and how these ventures have enriched his role as an LSAT guide. We tackle the often-neglected topic of mental health and burnout. Mitchell emphasizes the need for rest and a healthy work-life equilibrium to reach the pinnacle of success.To wrap up, Mitchell dispenses some valuable advice for those aiming to kickstart a tutoring business. He accentuates the importance of setting a price for your services, safeguarding your schedule, and transforming mistakes into learning opportunities. But that’s not all - he shares his enlightening journey to authenticity, the importance of writing like himself instead of his idols, and how that has contributed to his triumphs. Mitchell signs off with some resource recommendations for achieving success in law school and consulting, underlining the importance of rest and prioritizing mental health. Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Get ready for a deep dive with Stephanie Golik, co-founder of Huddle, as she reveals her intriguing entrepreneurial journey and her passion for design. Stephanie's story begins in Miami, Florida, where she was instilled with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. She later found her niche in product design and, fueled by her passion, co-founded Huddle, a community of product designers and builders.In our conversation, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of following your passion, making connections, and building a community, ingredients that were crucial in the creation of Huddle. A deep dive into the world of startups and funding, Stephanie's insights offer invaluable advice on topics ranging from fundraising strategy to the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs. We also explore the evolving job market in the pandemic era and how the gig economy is shaping new career paths.As we wrap up our engaging discussion, Stephanie shares two of her most influential reads - 'Courage to Be Disliked' and 'Positioning'. These books have profoundly shaped her perspective on entrepreneurship and her own identity. Join us for this enlightening conversation that's sure to inspire all budding entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts, and don't forget to become a part of the Huddle builder community - Apply HereFollow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Alexandra Frumberg. Alex is the Founder of ALX  - a full-service, strategically-driven creative collective. Fueled by opportunity, creativity, and coffee, she has spent over a decade helping companies find their voice and build their brand from the ground up. Want to learn more about Alex and her work at ALX? Visit their website here: https://www.alxcreatives.com/Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective. Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Rhapsodi Pierre-Jaques. Rhapsodi is a social-organizational psychologist and career transition coach with 10+ years of consulting and client-facing experience.Her coaching practice is rooted in the framework of intersectional neurodiversity which celebrates the diversity of the human mind and recognizes neurological differences as a social category on par with gender, ethnicity, and class.Want to learn more about Rhapsodi's consulting work? Visit https://introsense.co/Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Matt Gowie. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Matt realized along his journey of self-discovery, how he fell in love with software engineering and his favorite parts about building his own independent practice. Want to learn more about Matt's business ventures?Visit Masterpoint Consulting here: https://masterpoint.io/Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Justin Oba. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Justin realized along his journey of self-discovery, how he decided on founding a marketing consultancy, and his favorite parts about working with restaurants and food.Justin is Always on the lookout for: opportunities to use his extensive knowledge of the food and restaurant industry to help innovative chefs and restaurant groups connect with their audience and drive business through strategic marketing efforts.Want to learn more about Justin's business ventures?Visit Black Circle Consulting here: https://www.blackcircleconsulting.com/Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Emily Grubman. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Emily realized along her journey of self-discovery, how she decided on naming businesses as the niche she was really passionate about, and what it's been like living in Lisbon Portugal.Emily is Always on the lookout for: opportunities to use my strategic storytelling powers in the fight for progressive public policy and environmental & social justice. LMK if you have any cool ideas for saving the planet and/or humanity!Want to learn more about Emily's business ventures? Visit Title Case (her Naming consultancy) here: https://www.titlecasenaming.com/Want to learn more about our community here at IndeCollective?Visit our website here: https://www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Clara Artschwager. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Clara realized along her journey of self-discovery, how releasing articles using her true voice pushed her into the world of dating and relationships, and what it was like the first time she ever had to pitch her services as a coach.As one of her clients expressed:“Clara is the next level dating and lifestyle coach you didn’t know you needed. She has elevated not only my personal life, but also the rest of my life... She truly took me to the next level - a level I didn’t even know I could be on. One of my favorite parts of working with Clara was that she builds you up to be more intuitive and independent for yourself - she helps you not to need her after a point, and that is a rare quality.”— FEMALE, NYCFollow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollecWebsite: www.indecollective.co Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Nicole Rose Yen. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Nicole realized along her journey of self-discovery, how she fell in love with finance and her leap into entrepreneurship.Nicole is passionate about supporting businesses through CFO services with custom reporting, strategic planning, and financial insight. She is passionate about making sure that finance is viewed as something fun and insightful - not as a burden. Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Meet Nancy Harris -- Nancy is a passionate leadership development coach specializing in diversity. She hosts a podcast called The Intersection where she discusses all things at the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She is also an active facilitator, writer, and co-founder of DisruptHR Chicago.As the founder of Restart Consulting, Nancy helps organizations develop inclusive cultures and leaders. She is determined to dismantle the structures that have held back women and people of color with an approach to change that focuses on embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into every fiber of an organization and coaching leaders to be catalysts for change. In today’s episode of the Modern Independent, Nancy and IndeCollective's Head of Community, Jan Almasy, unpack some of the key insights Nancy has gleaned over the course of her career in corporate and as an independent.--> They start by providing insight into how Nancy navigated not one, but four layoffs/sudden career shifts throughout her career.--> And then they unpack Nancy’s approach to deconstructing a company’s culture and finding ways to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level - from executive leadership to entry-level.#dei #independentwork #layoffs #laidoff #diversity #equity #inclusion  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec

Welcome to The Modern Independent -- a podcast dedicated -- to inspiring, equipping, and empowering -- top independent workers to supercharge their careers -- and build more balanced lives.Today, our Head of Community Jan Almasy is joined by Chris Donohoe. Join them as they unpack some of the key "aha moments" Chris realized along his journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. Chris is a Career Coach, Facilitator, and Entrepreneur — an Ivy League grad and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with an M.S. in Teaching.  He has recorded over 2000 hours of experience coaching people and teams to extraordinary results. He’s worked with 15+ Fortune 1000 companies and 50+ individuals — helping people chart paths to higher income and happier lives. As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, coach, and facilitator, he charted his path to success by learning to use his queerness as an asset rather than a liability. Now he helps other professionals unlock their superpowers, rediscover their motivation, build from turmoil, and create successful careers that they love.Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec  Follow Us for More Content on:IG: IndeCollective | Freelance MBA (@indecollective) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indecollec