In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli sit down with author, speaker, and small-business champion Shawna Suckow. They talk about how small businesses can stand out, show up more human, and attract their exact right customers in today’s noisy marketplace by moving away from stiff “performative professionalism”. How instead using real stories, personality, and values to connect with their audience. Shawna shares practical and simple exercises to identify what truly makes you memorable, explains her “brandships zone” of being differentiated, trustworthy, and unforgettable, offers real-world examples and mindset shifts that help you lean into your authentic voice, and shares when and how to pivot your marketing, especially when old tactics stop working, while also touching on choosing one or two aligned platforms, showing up consistently, and her own journey from reluctant speaker to CSP and author of Small Is Your Superpower.

Highlights

• Why sounding “professional” is actually making you forgettable
• Choosing the right platforms (without burning out)
• When and how to pivot your marketing
• Small is your superpower

Connect with Shawna

Website: The Buyer Insider

Book: Small Is Your Superpower

LinkedIn: Shawna Suckow

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Nicole shares how she grew Empower Virtually from a one‑woman operation in 2023 into a thriving global VA agency that matches business owners with executive and administrative support across sectors like coaching, law, and healthcare. She explains how being overbooked with a client waitlist led her to build a team, and how her natural “matchmaker” skill helps her pair the right VA with the right client so owners can stay in their zone of genius.​

Nicole discusses the realities of building a business as a military spouse living in the UK, including the challenges of moving overseas and needing a career that could travel with her. She also talks candidly about balancing toddlers at home, an unpredictable military schedule, and running a growing agency by working in focused pockets of time and accepting that some seasons are simply harder than others.

• Business owners who feel overwhelmed and know they need to delegate but are unsure what to hand off first.​

• Fractional leaders and service providers looking to streamline operations with executive and admin support so they can focus on higher‑value work.​

• Entrepreneurs balancing business growth with family life, especially parents and military spouses navigating unpredictable schedules and limited work windows.

• Website: Empower Virtually ​

• LinkedIn: Nicole Bryan

In this episode, Stephanie shares how she went from running an online membership community to becoming a “Community Steward” at Exchange, and why she chose that title instead of the traditional “community manager.” She explains Exchange’s community-centered framework, where the wisdom is in the room, and how appreciative inquiry and intentional questions unlock the collective intelligence of a group.​

Stephanie and the hosts unpack what community really means and why it is more than social media followers or a big email list. They explore community as a space of giving and receiving, where people consistently come together, support each other, and experience genuine connection, whether in a neighborhood, a book club, a team, or a small, intimate circle.​

The conversation dives into conscious leadership and stewardship, emphasizing that everyone in a community; team, members, and leaders, is responsible for the space they co-create. Stephanie offers simple, practical ways leaders can protect their energy, avoid burnout, and show up more intentionally, such as taking small pauses between meetings, noticing their own state, and even naming their exhaustion or stress in front of a group to create safety and authenticity.​

Stephanie also shares how becoming a mother and now preparing for her second child has shifted her relationship with work, pace, and the feminine, inviting her into deeper slowness, sensitivity, and trust in the unknown. She talks about “mastering presence in a group environment” as one of her core skills, including sensing the energy of the room, slowing down an agenda when needed, and asking, “What is the question we’re really trying to answer right now?” to bring conversations back to what matters most.​

Listeners will walk away with:

• A clearer, more grounded definition of community and how to build it intentionally.​

• Practical ideas to steward energy, prevent burnout, and practice conscious leadership in everyday interactions.​

• Simple presence practices to use in workshops, meetings, coaching sessions, and group programs.​

• LinkedIn: Stephanie Courtillier

• Work: XChange Website​

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Sharon and Erin sit down with Marc Pickard, co-founder and CEO of CB Tech Support, a New Jersey-based IT company helping small and mid-sized businesses get the fullest benefit from their technology. Marc shares how a lifelong love of tech and a background in art led him into the IT world and eventually to launching CB Tech Support with his business partner after seeing “what not to do” at a previous company.​

Marc explains how CB Tech Support supports New Jersey businesses with everything from day-to-day IT issues to strategy around cloud, security, AI, and remote work. He talks about working with companies that have distributed workforces, some in the office, some in the field, and how the right tools and support keep teams connected and information accurate.​

The conversation also dives into how COVID and hybrid work changed both security and productivity, why time management and calendar discipline became his most important business skill, and why every owner needs at least a basic grasp of their numbers and accounting tools. Marc and the hosts touch on QuickBooks headaches, smarter alternatives, and how CB Tech Support is helping clients navigate Microsoft’s AI tools like Copilot in a secure, practical way.

We talk about:

• The security challenges of “access from anywhere” and how to manage them.
• Why distributed workforces (especially in construction and the trades) rely on accurate, timely information flow.
• How tools like Microsoft 365, cloud services, and emerging AI (like Copilot) can actually make remote work smoother when implemented well.
• Why distributed and field-based teams in NJ need thoughtful tech support, not just quick fixes.
• How COVID and hybrid work changed the security and infrastructure needs of local businesses.
• The role CB Tech Support plays as a strategic partner, not just a “help desk.”

​

• Website: CB Tech Support ​

• LinkedIn: Marc Pickard

In this episode, Mitch shares how he went from “accidental attorney” to seasoned business owner, why so many entrepreneurs get stuck trying to do everything themselves, and what changes when you start delegating on purpose instead of as a last resort. He talks about building his solo practice, adding partners and staff, then intentionally going back out on his own, and how bringing on a VA and outside support transformed both his law firm and his podcast.​

Mitch also unpacks the difference between being an employee and a business owner, the cost of trying to “muscle through” everything yourself, and why the most successful entrepreneurs design delegation and team-building into their plans from day one. He shares stories from hundreds of podcast interviews, from portfolio entrepreneurs to real estate empires built by design, and the common threads he sees among those who succeed versus those who burn out.​

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or guilty about letting go of tasks you “should” be able to do, this conversation will give you permission and a practical mindset shift. Mitch also offers candid insight on succession planning, evolving your business over decades, and why investing in yourself and your network is just as important as any marketing tactic.

We talk about:

• The “entrepreneur’s myth” that you have to wear every hat forever.
• How to decide what to delegate first (hint: start with what drains you or stalls momentum).
• Why hanging onto everything isn’t commitment, it is double damage to your business and your health.
• Why your network is a safety net for your job, your business, and your reputation.
• How podcasting became one of Mitch’s most powerful networking tools, connecting him to guests around the world.
• Practical ways to start networking more intentionally, even if you are busy, introverted, or “hate networking events.”

​

• Website: Beinhaker Law

• Website: Mitch Beinhaker

• Podcast: The Accidental Entrepreneur Podcast​

• LinkedIn: Mitch Beinhaker

In this energizing episode, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli welcome Alison Simmons, founder and CEO of Lead Smarter Co., and creator of the Seven Figure CEO System. Alison shares her transformation from offering online business management services to creating innovative, AI-driven solutions for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The conversation covers Alison's practical approach to leveraging AI strategically, not just for content automation, but as a powerful problem-solving partner that amplifies personal strengths.

Listeners will learn how Alison's “think like a strategist” mindset led to breakthrough results (like doubling a client’s membership in five months), why treating ChatGPT more like a six-year-old can improve your outcomes, and actionable ideas for using AI to reclaim time, optimize calendar management, and foster business growth. The episode also spotlights common mistakes with AI, the importance of specificity and feedback, and the future of AI in coaching and training.​

Key Topics Discussed:

• Moving from generic to strategic uses of AI in entrepreneurship
• ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner, not a replacement
• Creating custom GPTs and automation workflows
• Making AI work for your personal and business tasks (e.g., time audits, calendar management with tools like Reclaim)
• Launching and scaling programs, coaching, and licensing through Lead Smarter Co.
• Tips for introducing AI to reluctant team members or clients

Favorite Quotes:

• “ChatGPT is like a six-year-old that wants to help, give it specifics, be directive, and don’t be afraid to correct its work.”
• “If AI is just generic, you’re missing the real value. The real game-changer is in strategy and problem-solving.”
• “AI can amplify your business, but it shouldn’t replace your human touch.”
• Connect with Guest: Alison Simmons

Website: Lead Smarter

LinkedIn: Alison Simmons

Note: Visit her website and LinkedIn for the most current templates, offers, and program details as discussed on the episode.

As we begin to wrap up our first season of Mastering Business Skills, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our amazing listeners. Your support, feedback, and the stories of how certain episodes sparked new ideas or inspired change in your businesses have meant the world to us. What started as a show for practical business advice has blossomed into a community filled with heart, growth, and genuine connection.

We’ve been fortunate to host incredible guests who shared insights on leadership, HR, marketing, and hosting virtual events, each helping us, and hopefully you, see business from a fresh perspective. Whether you tune in every Thursday or catch up as you can, thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to bringing you more real conversations, expert insights, and maybe even a few blooper reels next season!

Wishing everyone a restful Thanksgiving. Take a moment to recharge and reflect on what you’re grateful for, we know we’re grateful for you!

• Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

• Erin's Website Operational Leadership Solutions

• Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn

• Sharon's Website Virtual Assistant Sharon

• Visit the VSM website: Virtual Skills Master

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli welcome Pauleen Murphy, founder of Politan Marketing and seasoned fractional chief marketing officer. Pauleen shares her expertise in helping founder-led businesses scale more effectively, covering everything from emotional leadership transitions to the systems and organization that sustain fast growth. Discover what kinds of clients thrive with fractional marketing leadership, and why networking is an essential ingredient not just for business results but for personal growth and confidence.

Key takeaways include:

• Pauleen’s unique approach as the first marketing leader for owner-driven companies, typically working with founders in businesses ranging from $1 to $20 million ARR.​

• Why the emotional side of handing off strategic decisions is often the hardest for entrepreneurs, and what it means to move from “great entrepreneur” to “visionary leader”.​

• The value of organization and systems: how strong foundations, clear positioning, and AI best practices streamline execution and allow lean marketing teams to excel.

• Insights on the importance of cross-industry experience, and how Pauleen integrates internal teams, vendors, and her own assistants for holistic results.​

• How consistent, intentional networking, especially one-on-one connections, creates unexpected opportunities and directly improves business growth.​

• Practical strategies for leveraging your own strengths, finding balance, and moving your business forward through education and connection.

Connect with Pauleen:

Website: politanmarketing.com

LinkedIn: Pauleen Murphy

Portfolio: politanmarketing.com/portfolio