Ever wonder how to scale your consulting practice without a huge team or complex tech stack? In this episode, Ashley Rose from Systems Over Stress reveals how she built and manages her business using primarily Airtable and strategic automation. A self-described "systems nerd," Ashley opens up about how her ADHD diagnosis led her to create systems that work with her brain instead of against it – and ultimately helped her build a thriving consulting practice.

But here's what makes this conversation particularly valuable: Ashley isn't just sharing theory. She breaks down exactly how she uses Airtable as her "first team member," managing everything from client experience to launch tracking with just two part-time VAs. She also gets refreshingly honest about the financial reality of scaling, including a recent $43,000 business loan and her journey to more intentional business spending.

Whether you're drowning in spreadsheets or trying to figure out how to scale without sacrificing client experience, this episode offers practical insights on building systems that actually work. Ashley shares specific examples of how she automates everything from sales tracking to content management, and why the right systems can help you make better business decisions.

Highlights:

Your Systems Should Be Your First Hire - Before bringing on team members, invest in systems that can automate routine tasks and provide clear visibility into your business metrics. A good system is like having an extra team member for just $24/month.

Data-Driven Decisions Change Everything - When Ashley ignored her data and followed industry trends, her template shop made $23,000 compared to her group program's $422,000. Having clear metrics helps you make decisions based on what actually works in your business, not just what everyone else is doing.

Scale Without Sacrificing Experience - The right systems let you maintain high-touch client experiences even as you grow. From automated check-ins to progress tracking, you can use technology to enhance rather than replace personal connection.

Simple Can Be Sophisticated - Ashley manages her entire business with primarily two tools: Airtable and strategic automation. You don't need a complex tech stack to build a successful consulting practice.

Resources Mentioned:

Airtable: https://www.airtable.com/

Kit (Email Platform): https://kit.com/

Thrivecart: https://thrivecart.com/

Systems Over Stress: https://systemsoverstress.co/

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Ashley:

Website: https://systemsoverstress.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemsoverstress/#

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutntiheboons/

"I used to hate speaking publicly and going into rooms full of people I didn't know. It was an absolute nightmare." Now Chris McMartin's superpower is building authentic connections that drive real business results.

In this episode, Chris shares her journey from dreading events to becoming a master connector, and reveals why playing small at events is costing you opportunities. She pulls back the curtain on her transformation and gives practical, actionable insights on becoming unforgettable (without feeling sleazy).

From her signature red power suits to the specific goals she sets before walking into any room, Chris breaks down how to show up authentically while driving real business results. She also tackles the exhausting reality of networking (spoiler: even extroverts need recovery time) and provides a fresh perspective on building relationships that actually convert.

Whether you're ready to uplevel your presence at in-person events or trying to figure out how to stand out authentically in a crowded space, this conversation will transform how you think about networking.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stop going to events without clear goals. Whether you want to meet 20 new people or connect with one specific person, having measurable objectives changes your results and your confidence.

2. Trying to network in spaces that don't energize you is a waste of time. Find the environments, people and conversations that light you up - those are the relationships that will drive business growth.

3. Being memorable doesn't mean being someone you're not. Whether it's a signature accessory, a conversation starter, or just your authentic way of showing up, find what works for you and own it consistently.

4. The "would you say this in person?" test is the fastest way to determine if your online networking strategy is effective. If you wouldn't walk up to someone at an event with that opener, don't use it in their DMs.

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcmartin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypeher_boss/

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutntiheboons/

Resources:

Dotty Clothing: https://dotty.ca/

Cheekbone Beauty: https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a consulting business that aligns with your values AND makes great money?

This week's guest, Rachel D'Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting, reveals how a Netflix binge and a supportive brother helped her build a consulting business that now hovers between $750-900K in annual revenue.

But here's what makes this story interesting - Rachel doesn't chase RFPs, doesn't compromise on her values, and actually turns down clients who don't align with her vision for transforming the nonprofit sector. And the surprising result? More success, not less.

Rachel opens up about how she went from charging "nonprofit sector rates" to confidently pricing at $500/hour, thanks to some tough love from her business coach. She shares the mindset shifts required to charge premium rates while still ensuring her services remain accessible to grassroots organizations.

We dive deep into how she structures her team (hint: it's a mix of core staff and carefully selected contractors), her approach to equitable compensation, and why she's not afraid to have hard conversations about money with potential clients.

But perhaps most compelling is Rachel's candid discussion about showing up with courage in the sector, even when it means potentially losing business. She shares how being vocal about equity and justice has actually attracted more of the right clients, not fewer.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your pricing structure can reflect both your values and your worth. Rachel breaks down how she prices differently for different organizations while ensuring everyone on her team gets paid equitably.

2. Business development doesn't have to mean constant hustling. Building authentic relationships and being selective about clients can actually lead to more sustainable growth.

3. Success often means redefining what "enough" looks like. Rachel found her sweet spot isn't about maximizing revenue but about maintaining the right balance of impact and income.

4. Getting comfortable with premium pricing takes practice. Start by understanding what you and your team need to thrive, then work backwards from there.

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Rachel:

Gladiator Consulting Website: http://www.gladiatorrds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladiatorrds/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladiatorconsulting/?hl=en

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutntiheboons/

Resources:

Rachel’s Website: www.gladiatorrds.com

Purpose First Advisors :https://www.purposefirstadvisors.com