Uncomplicate Your Business

Send us a textThe best entrepreneurial stories rarely start with a grand vision. They start with a rug being pulled out.That's Ashley's story. A layoff. A pandemic that destroyed her in-person business overnight. So she did what many of us do in crisis—she picked up watercolors and created. A hundred days worth. Except it took two years to finish.When Ashley came to me, I saw what she couldn't see herself: a hundred pieces of unique, marketable content in a space flooded with generic coaches. She resisted. Hard. Tears and all.But here's what changed everything: clarity isn't something you force. It's something you create conditions for. Once Ashley stopped waiting for perfection and started building in public, the momentum came fast. Seven months from a wine bar idea to four finished books.If you've got something incomplete sitting in your files, or you're wondering if your "weird" skill could be your real differentiator—listen in.On this episode of Promote Yo

Send us a textYour revenue is down. Sales have slowed. And every time you log into social media, you're hit with another wave of news that makes you want to throw your entire business plan out the window and start over.But here's what most business owners don't realize: when things slow down, the problem is rarely everything. It's usually just one or two key levers that need your attention. The CEOs who come out stronger on the other side? They're the ones who can diagnose the real issue instead of burning it all down in a panic.In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact framework I use with my CEO Collective clients to figure out what actually needs fixing in your business. We're talking about the four levers that directly impact your revenue, how to identify which one is causing your slowdown, and why changing everything at once is the worst move you can make right now.This isn't about working harder or doing more. It's about working smarter and focusing

Send us a textYou know that feeling when you open your closet and somehow have nothing to wear—even though it's packed full? That's what running your business feels like right now. Not because you lack options, but because you have too many of them.Fresh off our CEO Retreats, I've been hearing the same thing from small business owners across the country: they're stuck. Not on client work—they're confident there. But on the CEO-level decisions that could make or break their next year. The ones about pricing, team, strategy. The decisions they keep putting off because "what if I'm wrong?"Here's what nobody talks about: this isn't a confidence problem. It's not an effort problem. It's decision fatigue, and it's eating up your cognitive capacity before you even get to the decisions that matter. Every morning you're starting with a tank of mental fuel, and by the time you need to make the big call, you're running on empty.In this episode, I

Send us a textYou know that sinking feeling when a client asks for "that document we worked on last month" and you have absolutely no idea where you saved it? Or when you're paying your team to sit idle while you frantically search through folders trying to find the resources they need?If you've ever felt like the organized, professional front you present to the world is hiding a complete digital disaster behind the scenes, this episode is for you. Tracy Hoth, professional organizer turned business coach, reveals why most entrepreneurs struggle with organization (hint: it's not because you're "naturally messy") and shares her surprisingly simple system that works whether you're a solopreneur or managing a team.This isn't about buying fancy software or overhauling your entire business overnight. Tracy breaks down the exact five-folder system she uses with clients to eliminate the constant search-and-rescue missions that are quietly draining your productivity an

Send us a textEver feel like you're constantly tweaking your business but nothing quite clicks? Like you're a plant that's outgrown its pot but you keep trying to make it work anyway?You're not alone. And more importantly, there's a reason why all that surface-level fixing isn't working.In this conversation with Jessica Sato, we dig into why successful entrepreneurs hit this wall—and what actually needs to happen to break through it. Jessica works with impact-driven female entrepreneurs who've built something good, but know there's something bigger calling them forward.This isn't about another rebrand or website refresh. It's about the deep work that most people skip because it feels too slow, too introspective, or too "nice to have." But here's what Jessica and I both learned the hard way: you can't shortcut this process.We talk about the moment you realize your current container is too small, why "good enough" can be the enemy o

Send us a textShow Notes: How to Build Premium Services Without the Premium HeadachesWhat if everything you've been told about raising your rates is backwards?Amy Hayes, founder of The Global Creator, spent a decade building a design business that runs almost entirely on referrals—and she's never touched social media marketing for her client work. In this conversation, she reveals why most creatives are focusing on all the wrong things when trying to command premium prices.You'll discover why that expensive camera or fancy software isn't what's keeping you from high-end clients. Amy breaks down the real difference between high-end and high-touch services, and why the latter matters more than you think. She also shares her unconventional approach to client boundaries—one that actually strengthens relationships instead of creating friction.If you've ever felt trapped in the feast-or-famine cycle, constantly chasing new clients, or wondered why your perfectly polished portfolio isn&

Send us a textWhy Your Burnout Isn't a Time Management ProblemI've been thinking a lot about why so many of us are running on empty, and this conversation with Amanda Miller Littlejohn gave me language for something I've been feeling for years. We're not just tired—we're operating from a fundamentally broken blueprint about what makes life worth living.Amanda's new book, The Rest Revolution, cuts through all the productivity hacks and time management systems to get to the real issue: we've been taught to measure our worth by our output. And frankly, it's killing us. What struck me most about our conversation wasn't just her story of severe burnout after having her third child during the pandemic (while not taking maternity leave), but how she traced this pattern all the way back to childhood.This isn't another "work-life balance" conversation. Amanda challenges the entire framework of ambition in our post-pandemic world. She's a sought-after exe

Send us a textAre you investing time, energy, and money into your business but not always seeing the return? You're not alone—and it's time we have a real conversation about how to actually get results from those big decisions.In this episode of Promote Yourself to CEO, Racheal Cook breaks down 5 essential strategies to make the most of every investment—whether you're hiring, signing up for a program, attending an event, or investing in a rebrand.You’ll learn how to:✅ Make smarter decisions BEFORE you spend a dollar✅ Follow through (even when life gets in the way)✅ Avoid ghosting your growth by leaning in and asking for help✅ Take what works and leave what doesn’t—with confidence✅ Build your own business ecosystem through real relationshipsIf you've ever felt disappointed by a course, coaching program, team member, or service provider—or just want to be more intentional with your resources—this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice to help you stop wasting money and s

Send us a textAfter setting a revenue goal for your business, the next question on your mind might be, “How do I actually reach my goal?” If that’s you, then you’ll love this episode! In it, I dive even deeper into the actual math behind your revenue goal using real numbers to help you determine what to sell, at what price point, and to how many clients or customers. On this episode of Promote Yourself to CEO: 3:26 - I explain why figuring out how to hit your revenue goals can get a little tricky, especially if you follow so-called guru advice. 10:11 - You have to understand your sales conversion rate which varies based on what you’re selling, to who, and at what price point. 12:26 - What kind of sales call conversion rate do I see among people, even those without much sales experience? 14:53 - Let’s take a look at conversion rates of some other popular promotional methods. 22:56 - How do I know that the price point advice too many “gurus” give to entrepreneurs isn’t necessarily based on any real data? 27:39

Send us a textThere’s a tale that’s rarely told in the business world. It’s a tale of two companies. Both make seven figures annually. But the business owners behind them receive a vastly different amount of money as actual take-home pay. What happens once money comes into a business? Where does it go from there? The lack of real disclosure on this in online entrepreneurial circles has led to lots of people focusing solely on revenue goals, not their business’ actual profitability. So in this episode, I break it all down, talk some numbers, and tell you exactly what it means to have a six-figure take home income, not just a six-figure business. On this episode of Promote Yourself to CEO: 3:29 - How much time do you have to invest in your business? Here’s how to take a look at your situation to see what works best for you. 7:16 - How much energy do you have available to you? And what do you need to do to maintain it? 9:48 - Instead of pulling a revenue goal out of thin air, ask yourself this question. I reveal

Send us a textStop burning out while building your empire. CEO and entrepreneur Rachel Cook reveals why your success is setting you up for a crash—and the three-layer support system that saved her business during family crisis. Learn the exact reset strategies, email scripts, and relationship-building tactics that let you scale sustainably without sacrificing your sanity. This isn't typical self-care advice—it's strategic business infrastructure. Discover how to spot burnout before it hits, build non-transactional support networks, and create recurring systems that keep you resourced through any challenge. Essential listening for ambitious women who refuse to choose between success and wellbeing.Connect with Me: Instagram: @racheal.cook TikTok: @rachealcookmba LinkedIn: @rachealcook YouTube: @the_ceo_collective Website: The CEO Collective Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Send us a textI'm recording from a completely new space today, and honestly, that feels fitting because everything about my business and personal life has shifted over the past 18 months. What started as managing my parents' care while growing a thriving business has turned into something much more complex.You might think successful entrepreneurs have it all figured out, but I'm here to tell you that's not how it works. While my business was scaling to a team of 12 and hosting sold-out retreats, I was also getting new medical diagnoses, watching my father relapse into alcoholism for the third time, and spending $16,000 a month on my mother's care. Sometimes life demands that you make hard choices about what you can and can't handle.This isn't your typical business strategy episode. I'm sharing what it actually looks like when the CEO of your life has to make decisions that nobody prepares you for - from letting go of team members to setting boundaries with family to com

Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed by "Maycember" chaos? Discover my proven mid-year business review process to recalibrate your 2025 strategy before summer disruptions hit. Learn the 80% achievement standard successful CEOs follow, identify your true revenue-driving metrics, and map your next six months with intentional focus instead of panicked reaction. With unpredictable market conditions in 2025, this practical framework helps you adapt your business plan without starting over. Download the free workbook and transform uncertainty into strategic opportunity. Stop running your business on default mode and start leading with clarity.Connect with Me: Instagram: @racheal.cook TikTok: @rachealcookmba LinkedIn: @rachealcook YouTube: @the_ceo_collective Website: The CEO Collective Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Send us a textStruggling with entrepreneur burnout? In this powerful conversation, trauma therapist Shulamit Ber Levtov shares game-changing mental health strategies specifically designed for business owners. Discover why traditional self-care advice falls short, how to implement 30-second regulation techniques during business crises, and why acknowledging difficult emotions actually creates resilience. Learn practical approaches to maintain your wellbeing while navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster without succumbing to toxic hustle culture. Perfect for women business owners feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or questioning their capabilities. This episode reframes entrepreneur mental health as an essential business strategy rather than a luxury—empowering you to build both a sustainable business and a fulfilling life.Connect with Me: Instagram: @racheal.cook TikTok: @rachealcookmba LinkedIn: @rachealcook YouTube: @the_ceo_collective Website: The CEO Collective Subscribe & Review: If you loved

Send us a textI'm revealing why your once-reliable business systems may be failing in today's economy. In this episode, I'll guide you through revitalizing your client growth engine by strategically analyzing your attract, engage, nurture, and invite systems. You'll learn to identify where your best clients actually come from, eliminate friction points in your sales process, and build sustainable relationships instead of chasing marketing trends. Take control of your business growth with my proven, relationship-focused strategies that bring consistent results.Connect with Me: Instagram: @racheal.cook TikTok: @rachealcookmba LinkedIn: @rachealcook YouTube: @the_ceo_collective Website: The CEO Collective Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Send us a textDecision-making during uncertain times can make or break your business. When stress levels rise, our natural decision-making abilities become compromised, pushing us into either reactive choices or complete avoidance—both potentially devastating for long-term success.The entrepreneurs who navigate turbulent periods most effectively aren't those making the quickest decisions, but those making thoughtful, aligned ones. This episode walks you through creating your own decision-making framework based on the 90-Day CEO Operating System, providing a structured approach to evaluate opportunities and challenges without falling prey to panic-driven reactions.Your decision-making matrix should start with your vision—what's your core business model, who do you serve, and what impact do you want to create? Even when you can't see years ahead, clarity about your 12-month goals provides essential context. From there, every potential decision should be filtered through alignment questions: Does

Send us a textI'm sharing exclusive content from my March 2025 CEO Retreat, including my battle-tested "Oh Shit Kit" framework to help you stabilize your business during uncertainty. In this special episode, you'll experience key moments from the retreat as I provide actionable steps to secure your finances, generate revenue from existing relationships, and adjust your messaging to meet clients' shifting needs. Discover why increasing visibility—not retreating—is crucial during economic downturns, and how transparent leadership builds trust when others hide. These practical retreat strategies will help you make clearheaded decisions from a place of strength rather than fear.Connect with Me: Instagram: @racheal.cook TikTok: @rachealcookmba LinkedIn: @rachealcook YouTube: @the_ceo_collective Website: The CEO Collective Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Send us a textDo you ever feel like you're carrying the weight of your business entirely on your shoulders? In this candid episode, I tackle the isolation that many women entrepreneurs experience. Drawing from my personal story of being raised by entrepreneur parents and the life-altering car accident that changed my family forever, I share powerful insights about the critical importance of building multi-layered support systems. I reveal how my father's business survived a crisis that could have destroyed it, thanks to a community of fellow entrepreneurs who stepped up. Whether you're struggling with business overwhelm, household management chaos, or simply craving deeper connections, this episode offers practical frameworks for creating the support you need—before you need it. Because the truth is, we all face unexpected challenges, and having systems in place isn't a sign of weakness—it's strategic preparation that allows your business to thrive even when life throws curveballs.Epi

Send us a textRunning a business during political and economic uncertainty requires strategic focus, not panic. In this episode, I share practical strategies to stay grounded when consumer spending tightens and decision fatigue creeps in. Learn how to audit expenses, build a cash cushion, optimize your marketing systems, and implement the "less but better" approach that preserves your capacity. Discover why adjusting tasks based on your energy levels helps maintain productivity without burnout. Rather than waiting to see what happens, these actionable frameworks will help you navigate challenging times while continuing to build your business as an act of resistance.

Send us a textIn this episode, I share some helpful strategies for entrepreneurs to stay grounded when things get uncertain. You'll learn about expanding your "window of tolerance" between fight-or-flight and freeze responses, and discover practical tools like creating your own personalized "thrive list" and choosing meaningful "reset buttons" instead of just defaulting to whatever's easiest. We explore seven different types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual—and talk about how taking care of yourself intentionally actually builds your capacity to lead effectively. Throughout our conversation, you'll find actionable advice for managing your energy and reducing decision fatigue, helping you stay centered as a leader rather than operating from a place of panic.