Stacking Your Team: Growing Teams And Team Building For Female Entrepreneurs | Women In Business | Small Business Owners

Ever wonder if your office is secretly sabotaging your productivity? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I set up my office to fuel my focus, protect my boundaries, and reflect my leadership style. I'm taking you behind the scenes into the simple shifts and personal essentials that transformed my workspace (after years of trial, error, and even a few office flops!). Whether you’re in a home office, a shared space, or a downtown suite, there’s something here for you. I’m also sharing stories and inspiration from some incredible women leaders and designers, plus actionable ideas (BIG and small) that you can implement right now, whether you’re working from home, a shared studio, or that dreamy corner office. Episode Links: Jenni Egger Designs Z Domus Designs Vitalia Inc. Children’s Choice Pediatric Dentistry Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Resources: Click here to grab our NEWE

Have you ever been burned by a team member who lied, stole, or took advantage of your trust? On today’s episode of the Stacking Your Team Podcast, I break down why integrity matters more than ever when hiring for your small business. I share powerful interview questions designed to reveal hidden character traits, so you can protect your business, your team, and your peace of mind. Don’t just trust your gut, ask the right questions and build a team you can count on.   Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Free Resources: Click here to grab our NEWEST resource that guides you through a firing framework that protects your culture and your credibility. Check out more free resources here. Connect with Shelli Warren: Email: leader@stackingyourteam.com Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stacking Your Team Newsletter

Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, I sat down with my client Rose Zefferino of Z Domus Designs, a powerhouse leader who grew from solo entrepreneur with a two-room studio to leading a team of ten and moving into a stunning new 5,000 square foot space. Rose shares what it really takes to scale a business, empower your team, and become the kind of leader who nurtures both growth and creativity. If you're ready to level up your business and leadership game, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Rose Zefferino: Instagram LinkedIn Website Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Free Resources: Click here to grab our NEWEST resource that guides you through a firing framework that protects your culture and your credibility. Check out more free resources here. Connect with Shelli Warren: Email: leader@stackingyourteam.com Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stacking Your Team New

Have you ever promoted someone who was amazing in their job, only to watch them flounder in a leadership role? I’ve seen the heartbreak (and the headaches) that come from putting the wrong person in charge, and I want to help you avoid this costly mistake.   Join me as I unpack why high performance doesn’t always equal leadership success, share real-life stories of promotions gone wrong, and offer practical strategies to spot the warning signs early. I’ll walk you through how to have compassionate, honest conversations and what to do if you need to make a leadership course correction, without burning bridges. Plus, I have a free resource to help you quickly determine if your next potential leader is truly ready for the responsibility!  Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Free Resources: Click here to grab our free tool designed to help you spot your leaders. Check out more free resourc

Feeling overwhelmed by your team’s constant questions and daily interruptions? In this episode I unpack why your team still relies on you for every decision, even after you’ve trained them, and how this cycle holds your business back. The real issue isn’t your leadership; it’s the lack of a true leadership team and clear ownership. If you want to finally reclaim your focus, stop micromanaging, and build a team that moves forward without you, it’s time to trade burnout for bold leadership.  Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Confidence Starts Here: Get the Ask Shelli scripts to know what to say and how to say it. Get Your Free Resource: Click here to grab the podcast companion workbook to use with our most popular episodes. Click here to get the guide on positioning your role as their next best career move. Click here to get our list of red flags to watch for during interviews. Click

Today I’m speaking to those of you leading teams who are always on the move. Whether your team is out in the field, on the shop floor, behind the wheel, or on their feet keeping things running, you know deskless leadership calls for a unique set of skills and resources that go beyond typical leadership advice. In this episode, I’m sharing the most essential support tools that I’ve seen truly make a difference for deskless teams. I’ll walk you through practical strategies to keep your mobile and frontline team members connected, recognized, and supported, no matter where their work takes them. Drawing from my experience in both retail and manufacturing, I’ll cover the real-world challenges these teams face, from missed updates to feeling invisible, and how we as leaders can bridge those gaps. Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Confidence Starts Here: Get the Ask Shelli scripts to know

Ever feel like your team meetings are draining productivity instead of fueling it? In this episode, I break down the biggest meeting mistakes like missing agendas, unclear ownership, overcrowded rooms, and lacklustre kickoffs, and give you simple, actionable fixes. Start making your meetings momentum builders, not momentum killers, and watch your team thrive! Register here for the free workshop Managing vs Leading on Tuesday, July 22.

This episode shines a light on the small, easily overlooked habits that can quietly sabotage your credibility as a leader; habits I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of myself. Join me as I walk you through some of the most common mistakes, like leaving a video call before your team, skipping those all-important human moments, or only showing up when things go wrong. I’ll share not just why these behaviors erode trust, but exactly what you can do instead to boost connection and professionalism in your business. Register here for the free workshop Managing vs Leading on Tuesday, July 22.

Are you still hiring assistants and managers? It’s time to rethink your org chart! In this episode, I shared the newest role titles making waves in small businesses, like Digital Lead Generator, Client Success Strategist, and AI Integration Specialist. These aren’t just flashy names, they’re about hiring for impact, not just tasks. If you want your business to scale and your team to truly thrive, it’s time to hire for results and start building out those roles that will actually drive growth. Ready to make your business future-ready?

Ever felt sick to your stomach just thinking about firing someone? In this episode of the Stacking Your Team Podcast, I’m digging deep into why letting someone go feels so hard, and how you can turn guilt into empowered, and grounded leadership. I’m sharing the real reasons firing is the hottest topic in my Leadership Lab, plus the hard truths we don’t talk about enough, like protecting your energy, your best team members, and the future of your business. Listen in and walk away with permission to lead with clarity and courage. Sometimes, the best leadership move is letting go, for everyone’s sake. Hit play and let’s stack your confidence, one tough decision at a time! 

Let’s face it, losing your job is rarely about one single mistake. It’s almost always the result of avoidable patterns and tendencies that build up over time. Whether you’re a business owner struggling with a tough decision, a leader wanting to strengthen your team, or someone just trying to stay off the chopping block, I’m here to give you the real talk with no fluff, just the straight facts. I’m sharing the top five reasons people get fired, helping you spot the early warning signs, and offering practical strategies for both leaders and team members to turn things around before it’s too late. Through my own experience, after firing more people than I care to count, I’ve learned what leads to these decisions and, more importantly, how to prevent them whenever possible. Get ready to build your confidence, become a stronger leader, and protect your career (or your team’s culture). Click here to grab the podcast companion workbook to use with our most popular episodes. Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with

In this short special bonus episode of the Stacking Your Team Podcast, I’m sharing all the unforgettable moments from a recent trip to Buffalo, New York, a free bra, a reminder of why women must celebrate their wins, and some personal reflections from our latest Leadership Lab retreat. From toasting a client’s 20th business anniversary in style to witnessing the magic that unfolds when women come together in person, I’ll reveal why these live events truly are game changers for business leaders like us.  You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, the powerful connections made at our intimate Leadership Lab retreat, and why I believe now is absolutely the time to join our next round. If you’re ready to stop managing chaos, lead with more confidence, and build a team you can truly trust, you’re in the right place.  Let’s dive in because leadership is about celebrating loudly, supporting each other, and stepping boldly into the next chapter of your business.   APPLY for the Leadership Lab GET THE PODCAST COMPANION GU

Today, we’re tackling a topic that just about every leader, including me, has struggled with: micromanaging. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s faster if I just do it myself,” or caught yourself hovering a little too close over your team’s work, you’re not alone. Sometimes, micromanaging isn’t as obvious as we think, but it always slows us down and keeps us stuck in the weeds. In this episode, I’ll help you recognize the subtle signs that you might be micromanaging, even if you don’t realize you’re doing it. I’ll dig into what’s really behind those habits, like the fear of mistakes or feeling guilty about letting go, and share practical strategies you can start using today to move from micromanaging to truly mentoring your team. I’ll also give you tools to empower your team, clarify your expectations, and provide the kind of support that grows leaders without all the second-guessing and double-checking. So if you’re ready to create a high-performing team and reclaim your time as a leader, join me as we make the sh

If you want a real look into what it takes to lead a team in an emotionally charged, high-stakes industry, you’ll love this episode. I had the pleasure of chatting with Courtney Bullard, CEO of ICS Institutional Compliance Solutions and one of my longtime clients. Courtney opens up about leading her team through the complex world of Title IX compliance, not just the challenges, but the heart and empathy it demands every single day. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about her work, the realities of supporting a team in tough situations, and what it means to evolve as a leader as your business scales quickly. Courtney shares her own lessons learned, from letting go of control to investing in professional development for herself and her team. If you’re a leader navigating both business growth and complexity, this episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable tips. I’d love for you to listen to our honest, encouraging conversation! Connect with Courtney Bullard: Website Instagram Youtube LinkedIn

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to hire someone who seems overqualified for a role on your team? I know it can feel risky, but it can also be a huge win for your business. In this episode of the Stacking Your Team Podcast, I’m diving into the realities of hiring overqualified candidates. With more talented professionals seeking roles in small businesses, it’s more important than ever to weigh both the benefits, like faster onboarding, immediate results, and built-in mentorship, and the risks, such as potential boredom, disruption, or high turnover. I’ll walk you through my practical checklist to help you get to the root of a candidate’s motivation during the interview process, set clear expectations from day one, and make sure you’re protecting your team's morale. If you’re leading a growing team and want to make smarter hiring decisions while building a high-performing team, this episode is just for you. Let’s dive in!   Click here to grab the podcast companion workbook to use with our most popular e

This episode features a powerful conversation with Jessica Cowling, a remarkable member of our Leadership Lab and the founder and CEO of InnerWorks Counseling in London, Ontario. In this episode, Jessica opens up about the bold, intentional moves she’s made to set her team and her business up for long-term success. We dig into how she transitioned her rapidly growing team to salary-based compensation for more stability, why she’s introducing micro roles to bring more ownership and clarity to her staff, and how she’s leveraging our signature 5R work plan to boost accountability and follow-through. Jessica also shares how building a leadership team has allowed her to focus on her strengths (and finally let go of the tasks that drain her!). If you’re leading a growing team and looking for real strategies to foster belonging, engagement, and accountability, you’re going to love this episode.  Click here to grab the podcast companion workbook to use with our most popular episodes. Connect with Jessica Cowling: In

Your workplace is so much more than just four walls. It can be a true magnet for top talent.  In this episode, I sit down with JennI Egger, the visionary CEO and founder of JennI Egger Designs, along with her Director of Brand Marketing, Lindsay Martin. Together, we pull back the curtain on their inspiring office space at 23 East in Indianapolis. Their space is not only beautiful and distinctive, but also intentionally designed to fuel creativity, collaboration, and joy. Jenni shares how her unique approach to crafting “not your typical 9-to-5” office vibes has helped her scale the business, attract top-tier talent, and build a culture that everyone wants to be a part of. Your workspace can be an asset for the entire team, not just a background for client meetings. If you’ve ever wondered if your office could do more for your recruiting, retention, and overall business impact, you won’t want to miss this episode.   Connect with Jenni Egger: JED Website LinkedIn Instagram Episode 269: Leading a Premi

On this week’s episode of the Stacking Your Team Podcast, you’ll meet one of my longtime clients, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence Based Birth®. We jump into the tough leadership lessons learned from over a decade of running a purpose-driven remote business. We talked about trusting your instincts, navigating boundary setting, mastering conflict resolution, and how to handle when team members project their own trauma onto you.  If you’re looking to build a resilient, empowered team while staying true to your values, you won’t want to miss these actionable insights from a leader who’s been in the trenches and come out stronger. Connect with Dr. Rebecca Dekker: Evidence Based Birth® Website YouTube Instagram Podcast Book Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Confidence Starts Here: Get the Ask Shelli scripts to know what to say and how to say it. Free Resources: Click here to ge

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my incredible clients, Rebecca Rowe. She’s the CEO of Act Therapy Services, who has gone from running a solo practice to overseeing three thriving locations and a team of 22 in North Carolina, without sacrificing her own well-being in the process. In our conversation, Rebecca pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a service-based business while staying true to your values. She shares candid stories about her transition from burnout in the corporate hospital world to creating a team culture where personal boundaries, professional growth, and genuine support come first. We dive into her practical strategies for hiring, setting clear processes, holding her team accountable, and structuring her days for maximum impact with tools she’s not only learned inside the Leadership Lab, but also brought to life in her business. If you’re a woman business owner dreaming of expanding your impact, but you want to do it with intention and clarity and avoid falling

This episode is all about helping you confidently identify emerging leaders within your team using clear, observable evidence instead of just gut instinct or memory. I’ll walk you through the exact questions and criteria I use to spot who’s ready to take on more responsibility, so you can stop guessing and start building a sustainable leadership structure in your business. Whether you run a brick-and-mortar or an online business, you’ll learn why a few key leadership roles can completely change your business’s trajectory. I’ll also share strategies for approaching leadership conversations, supporting your team members in their growth, and using the free Spot Your Leader Assessment to make it all feel simple and supportive. Click here to get your FREE Spot Your Leaders Assessment. Work with Shelli Warren: Book a call with Shelli to talk about how coaching can help you elevate your leadership capability. Apply to join the Leadership Lab. Confidence Starts Here: Get the Ask Shelli scripts to know what to say