Growing up in a military family, Tristen Epps moved around a lot. But no matter where he was living, Friday nights were sacred. He got to dress up, go to a restaurant, not order from a kids menu, and feel like he was getting to know the place he was living — for now. At home, when his mom taught him to scramble an egg, he was mesmerized by the alchemy; one simple ingredient could transform into so many things. It's that wonder and curiosity that transformed him into the leader, visionary, and Top Chef winner he is today. He joined Tinfoil Swans at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen to talk about his mission to “un-colonize colonized food,” the freedom he feels cooking in Air Jordans, why it's important to him to celebrate oxtails with Michelin-level finesse, and his belief that cooking has power to correct history. For more info visit: foodandwine.com/tinfoilswans Sponsor: Old Fitzgerald® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bardstown, KY. 50% Alc./Vol. Think Wisely. Drink Wisely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
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Вміст надано Meghan Donnelly. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Meghan Donnelly або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Optimize your business operations. Tune in to hear how we help founders & business owners build simple, streamlined systems & digital experience operations that scale.
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Вміст надано Meghan Donnelly. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Meghan Donnelly або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Optimize your business operations. Tune in to hear how we help founders & business owners build simple, streamlined systems & digital experience operations that scale.
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On this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I dive deep into something that hits way too close to home for so many of us: automation shame. That feeling like you’re cheating or being lazy for wanting help, for not wanting to do everything manually, for leaning on systems, tools, AI, or people to lighten the load. Spoiler alert: it’s bullshit. I’m here to say it loud: you are not broken for needing help. You’re not weak. You’re not lazy. You’re just human. And if you’re neurodiverse like us, even more reason to build smart systems around your messy reality. Waiting until you're burned out or in the middle of a fog spiral is not the move. Automation isn't cheating. It’s survival. It’s strategy. It’s leadership. We unpack where this guilt comes from: internalized ableism, perfectionism, ego, and how to reframe the whole damn thing. We also talk about how automation isn’t some cold, impersonal tech monster. Done right, it gives you your life back. And yeah, there is such a thing as over-automating, but let’s be real. Most of you aren’t even close to that line. You’re still doing everything manually. Anthony also shares how he didn’t even know what was possible until we started working together. And that’s the truth for a lot of people. Even tech-savvy folks get stuck in old workflows because they just haven’t had someone come in with a fresh perspective and say, “Wait, what if we did it this way?” We get into time recovery metrics, SOPs that require automation (not as an afterthought), gamifying progress, and creating celebration triggers that reinforce wins. Because this isn’t just about productivity. It’s about wellness, identity, and getting back to the parts of your business and life you actually like. This episode is for every founder who’s ever felt guilty for not doing it all themselves. For every builder who bought a shiny template that didn’t work. For everyone who’s scared to ask for help or let go of control. Stop trying to fit your business into someone else’s blueprint. Get a custom fit. Ask for help. Use the damn tech. Everything is figureoutable. You just don’t have to figure it out alone.…
In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Blesi from Simple Clear Payments to talk about one of the most ignored, boring-but-critical pieces of the operations puzzle: payment processing. And before you roll your eyes, hang on. If you’re still using Stripe or PayPal just because it was easy to set up, and you’ve never looked at what it’s actually costing you, you need to hear this. Sarah is one of those people who makes “unsexy” operations feel powerful. She’s not just cutting people’s fees. She’s giving business owners their time, their freedom, and their control back. And the kicker? It’s not complicated. She’s not waving a magic wand. She’s just paying attention to things most people have ignored for way too long. We got into the mindset shift around cost versus value. How operational decisions like switching merchant services aren’t just about saving a few bucks. They’re about designing a better lifestyle. One of my favorite parts of this episode is when Sarah tells the story of a caterer she helped. Someone who used to spend an hour every night manually keying in payments, and how switching systems gave him 45 minutes a day back with his kids. That’s what it’s really about. Not percentages. Not spreadsheets. Time. We also went deep on what I always talk about. That whole “work-life balance” thing is a lie. You’re one human being. You can’t separate your life into neat little compartments. So instead of chasing balance, start building a business that actually supports the life you want. Sarah gets that. Her whole approach is about cutting costs without cutting corners, reclaiming time without adding tech overwhelm, and making smarter choices that serve you now, not just when you hit seven figures. If you're tired of busywork, buried in Stripe fees, or just sick of the idea that "this is the way it’s always been done," this episode is for you. Connect with Sarah Blesi on LinkedIn to learn how to cut your processing costs, get your time back, and build a business that doesn’t burn you out.…
In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sit down with the incredible Paulina Tillman for a raw and real conversation that hits close to home for so many of us who’ve walked away from corporate life to build something on our own terms. Paulina is a mindset strategist who’s all about helping ex-corporate junkies rewire their thinking and start fresh, not just with what they do, but with who they are. In this episode, Paulina shares the exact transformation process she guides her clients through, starting with who you’re being, not just what you’re doing. We break down how leaving corporate means unlearning decades of conditioning, things like "success equals a paycheck" and "you must always be productive to have worth." If you've ever been told what to do your entire life, from school to bosses, and then suddenly you're the one in charge, it can be paralyzing. This conversation is for you. We also dive into why simply taking action doesn’t work if your identity is still stuck in fear or lack, and why the corporate mindset just doesn’t translate when you’re trying to build a personal brand or run a business. Paulina’s philosophy: don’t just take action, rebuild your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs first so the action actually works. And if you’re wondering about her community? It’s small, intimate, and filled with people who are ready to be brutally honest, show up messy, and do the work. No fluff. No hiding. Just true transformation. This episode isn’t just a pep talk, it’s a recalibration for anyone feeling like they’re in the in-between. It’s about learning to trust yourself again, questioning the rules you were handed, and doing it all in a way that feels true to you. Connect with Paulina on LinkedIn to learn more about the Mindset Mastery Tribe and how she’s helping high-achievers start over without losing themselves in the process.…
In this episode of Chronically Automated, I got real with Anthony about something a lot of founders and fast-moving entrepreneurs don’t talk about enough: using crisis mode as a business strategy, and why that mindset will quietly burn you out. We dove into the reality of feeling calm only when everything’s on fire. I opened up about how my ADHD brain thrives in urgency, how that clarity under pressure is addicting, and how for years I unintentionally created chaos just so I could jump in and fix it. Spoiler alert: that’s not sustainable, and it’s definitely not a growth strategy. Anthony brought his own perspective to the table, how his sales-driven brain seeks momentum, but not necessarily the chaos that comes with it. And that contrast sparked an honest conversation about how we each handle structure, stress, and strategy. This episode isn’t about glorifying high-stress performance. It’s about recognizing it, unpacking it, and retraining your brain to operate from stability instead of survival. I shared how I’ve shifted out of that crisis cycle, what I do now when everything feels “too calm,” and how I channel that energy into learning new tech, building systems, and scaling operations that don’t rely on adrenaline. We also talked about how subconscious patterns can sabotage your business, how to spot them, and what it actually looks like to lead from clarity instead of chaos. If you’re building your business off urgency and wondering why it always feels like you’re one step from burnout, this one’s for you.…
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mariana Polic from Shift Intelligence. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because I interviewed her husband Ivan last year, and now, we’re bringing things full circle with Mariana. We dug into the evolution of their business from "Jumpstart Your Exit" to "Shift Intelligence," and why that change reflects a much deeper shift in the way they serve high-growth founders and 7- to 8-figure business owners. We explored how critical it is to remove yourself from the daily weeds of operations if you ever want to sell, scale, or just breathe again. Mariana and I are perfectly aligned in our belief that most business owners wait too long to automate and systematize their business, and by the time they’re ready to exit, it’s a hot mess behind the scenes. We talked candidly about burnout, leadership development, and the very real signs you’re too deep in your business to see clearly (like crappy sleep, cranky kids, and the creeping feeling that you’re running yourself into the ground). Mariana broke down what the Shift Intelligence framework actually means, why it was born out of their own exit from a legacy manufacturing business, and how it now helps founders future-proof their companies before "shift hits the fan." We touched on how her and Ivan’s roles balance each other out, what it really takes to build a team that can run without you, and why preparing for an exit should be something you're thinking about long before you're ready to walk away. If you’re a founder who’s stuck in the ops and you’re craving real work-life integration, this episode will hit home. Because spoiler alert: balance is a lie, we all have one life, and the sooner you build systems to support it, the better. Connect with Mariana on LinkedIn and get inspired to make your next move smarter, not harder. Because when your business is finally running without you, you can actually get back to running your life.…
1 Chronically Automated - Episode #8 The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Survival Strategy (That No One Talks About) 28:23
In this episode of Chronically Automated , I pull back the curtain on what I call “parallel universe planning.” If you’re neurodivergent like me, you’ll get this immediately. I’ve got one brain that’s a high-functioning, strategic, growth-hacking machine, the part of me that people love to hire, that solves massive problems in minutes and builds systems that scale. And then there’s the other one. The impulsive, emotionally reactive, chaotic version that shows up uninvited and wrecks all the carefully laid plans. That push-pull between two mental realities creates more than confusion. It leads to real burnout. I’ll hyperfocus, go 500 percent on a project, build it out at lightning speed, and then crash so hard I can barely get out of bed. It’s a cycle I’ve lived over and over, and I’m finally learning how to design around it instead of trying to fight it. Anthony joins me in this conversation, and while he doesn’t have an ADHD diagnosis, his experience in high-pressure sales mirrors a lot of the same patterns. We talk about the constant pressure, the crash, and what happens when your systems aren’t strong enough to carry you through those dips. For me, automation and a small, trusted team have become non-negotiable. Without a CRM and processes in place, I’d be drowning in distractions. Systems aren’t just helpful, they’re survival. I need tools and workflows that can catch what my brain drops and protect the time and energy I do have. This episode isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about honoring how we work, building support around it, and making smarter decisions that allow us to keep showing up without burning out. If you’ve ever felt like your brain is the CEO one day and the saboteur the next, this one’s for you. Mentioned in this episode: Brand Built Digital Magic CRM…
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , I had the pleasure of talking with Alexandra, a fractional Chief Wellness Officer who is all about bringing the human element back into business. What I loved most about our conversation was her unapologetic focus on people over productivity. She’s out here reminding all of us that businesses don’t run without humans, and humans don’t run well when they’re burned out. Alexandra and I got real about what it means to run a company in a world that’s obsessed with systems, scaling, and AI. Yes, we both love automation (obviously), but she hit on something I talk about a lot: if the founder is burned out, the business is already broken. Her take? We don’t need “work-life balance.” We need integration —a way of living and working where we stop pretending we’re two different people clocking in and out of each life. She spoke about the evolution of society and how we’ve chased tech, productivity, and money, often at the expense of our mental and physical health. And it hit me hard because it’s exactly what I see in so many of the founders and small business owners I work with. The moment you believe that rest is weakness or slowing down means failure, you’re building something on a very shaky foundation. This episode is a must-listen if you're feeling like your business is running you instead of the other way around, or if you just need the reminder that scaling doesn’t require suffering. Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn to dig deeper into how she helps founders and entrepreneurs prioritize sustainable success without sacrificing themselves in the process. She’s the strategist you want in your corner if you’re serious about scaling with intention, clarity, and well-being at the core. Mentioned in this episode: Digital Magic CRM Brand Built…
This episode was a really raw one for me. I opened up about something I see over and over again with my clients, and if I’m being honest, with myself too. It’s that feeling that our systems are broken, when in reality, what’s actually off is how we see ourselves. Anthony and I talked through how chronically ill and neurodiverse entrepreneurs (hi, that’s us) often build schedules and systems for the version of ourselves we wish we were instead of the version we are right now. So then what happens? Burnout, abandoned workflows, guilt, and a whole lot of self-blame. And it sucks. We shared a really honest moment from a few weeks ago where Anthony hit a wall with his system. He thought everything was broken, but it turned out he just needed a reset, to look at it from the lens of who he is now, not who he was three months ago. We talked through how to build systems that actually pivot with you, in real-time, without making you feel like a failure every time your day doesn’t go to plan. I also talked about the importance of what I call “daily capacity checks.” Not the nonsense productivity hacks. I'm talking about real, practical strategies for navigating the chaos that is ADHD, chronic illness, or just running a business while being a whole-ass human. We’re not robots. We need systems that are flexible enough to meet us where we are. And yes, we talked about Digital Magic CRM. Again. Because it works. The way we built it for Anthony gives him full control, pause automation, skip steps, move people around, no rigid pipelines, no pressure. It’s built around his life. That’s the goal. We wrapped the episode diving into how powerful it is when you give yourself permission to stop forcing yourself to fit into a mold that was never designed for how your brain works. This is about building systems that support the actual you, the messy, brilliant, unpredictable you, not the Pinterest version of yourself who sticks to a perfect calendar. So if you’ve ever felt like your system was failing, maybe give yourself some grace and ask: are you designing it for the real you?…
In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I had the chance to sit down with Elijah Szasz, and wow, it was such a ride. Elijah’s energy is palpable, and honestly, we could’ve talked for hours. He’s not just an innovative entrepreneur, he’s got this wildly creative brain that blends tech innovation with storytelling and lifestyle design in a way that makes you want to toss out every business rulebook you’ve ever read. We dug into his journey from Silicon Valley to Salt Lake City, how he launched his tech agency 14 years ago (with roots in supporting eBay, no less), and how he evolved from just delivering software into building entire brand experiences. But what really makes Elijah’s story stand out is this unconventional CPG venture he co-founded, think energy potions inspired by World of Warcraft, complete with vampire-themed drinks in IV bags. It's as bonkers as it sounds—and it worked. He scaled it to 4,500 shelves. The way he tells the story? Gold. What struck me the most was how he's always thinking in systems, human-centered design, user journey mapping, and product-market fit all wrapped in creativity. It’s no surprise he’s now helping early-stage founders build from scratch with deep strategy, clickable prototypes, and UI/UX systems that get them funded. It's startup building with soul. We also hit a nerve that a lot of entrepreneurs will feel: the raw, real tension between building a business that runs you versus building one you actually enjoy running. Elijah’s take on designing a lifestyle alongside your tech stack was so aligned with everything I preach: don’t just build a business, build a life you actually want to live. If you want to keep up with Elijah or explore more of his unconventional genius, connect with him on LinkedIn . Seriously, if you’re into bold ideas, brand building, or just need some fresh inspiration for how tech and creativity can coexist in a business that actually feels good to run, he’s one to follow.…
1 Chronically Automated - Episode #8 You’re Not Busy. You’re Just Operating Without a Brain Buffer 43:00
In this episode, I dive deep into what I call "looping thoughts", that overwhelming feeling of mental load creep where your to-do list seems like a never-ending cycle. Even as tasks move to the “done” column, the list keeps growing, feeding that stressful loop. I share how I manage it with structured task filtering and strategic use of tools like ChatGPT. I open my week by reviewing only the tasks due that week, then daily filter again to focus solely on what's due that day. I even voice-command my custom GPT (yes, shoutout to Nixie!) to prioritize my list based on revenue-generating goals and our company’s big vision. Anthony joins me to unpack his own experience balancing multiple projects daily, and we compare notes on managing energy, not time. He emphasizes time-blocking and rhythm, particularly in sales. We also discuss the myth of multitasking, why it's a productivity killer, and how doing one task at a time, to completion, is the real game-changer. We round out the convo by exploring how automation can support these strategies and why prioritizing energy, clarity, and strategic delegation is more effective than any time management hack out there. Mentioned in this episode: Brand Built Digital Magic CRM…
On this episode of The Queen of Automation , I sat down with Robert Friedman, founder of Fearless Branding, and someone I think is doing truly important work. We met through BrandBuilt (surprise, surprise) and instantly clicked over our shared belief that your message is everything. I’ve heard Robert say “tell your story fearlessly” so many times, and it stuck with me. That idea is not just a tagline. It’s the core of what makes his approach so effective. Robert works with consulting and professional services firms who are amazing at what they do, but their messaging sounds like everyone else in their industry. They’re frustrated. They’re doing all the things—SEO, paid ads, even hiring agencies—but the leads are off, the quality’s not there, and the results fall flat. One of Robert’s clients said it best: “You’re marketing me like a frozen dinner, but I’m a five-star meal.” That line alone? GOLD. And so true for so many businesses out there. What we really got into was how branding and automation aren't just separate pillars. They’re completely interconnected. If your brand is weak, no amount of automation will save you. It’ll just amplify the broken stuff. This is something I see all the time. People blame their systems when it’s really their message that’s falling short. I can't tell you how many times I've been paid to audit tech stacks, only to find out the system’s working perfectly fine. It’s just amplifying a brand that doesn’t convert. We also talked about “work-life balance” (aka the myth). I’m always saying, you're one person. There’s no separation between work and life if you’re an entrepreneur. The whole point of building your business should be to create freedom. Time freedom. But you don’t get there by adding more tech. You get there by starting with a brand that lands, resonates, and attracts the right people. Only then do you layer in automation to scale what’s already working. Robert brought up this amazing visual. You can either pedal your business forward on a beach cruiser or a finely tuned racing bike. Both take effort, but one gets you a lot further with the same energy. Your brand is that bike. I loved that framing because it’s exactly what I help people do after their brand is solid. Build systems that actually give you back your time and move the needle. We wrapped by agreeing that it doesn’t matter how beautiful your website is or how fancy your CRM is. If the message doesn’t work, nothing else will. And vice versa. If the systems aren’t there to support it, you’ll be stuck in manual mode forever. Both sides need to work together. Want to connect with Robert? Find him at fearlessbranding.com and take his Brand Strength Assessment. It’s a super quick quiz but gives you huge insight into whether your brand is actually working for you. And of course, we’ll link his LinkedIn in the show notes. If you’re serious about building a business that supports the lifestyle you actually want to live, this is an episode you’ll want to replay.…
In this latest episode of Chronically Automated , Megan and Anthony peel back the shiny layer of automation to get real about something nobody’s talking about enough: hiding behind your systems. Megan dives into the uncomfortable truth of over-automation, when tech becomes a shield instead of a solution. Whether it’s dodging customer confrontations, masking mistakes with cold autoresponders, or letting bots take over the emotional core of your brand, they expose how automation can go from asset to liability fast. Anthony jumps in from a sales lens, venting about the emotionally disconnected experience so many brands are delivering. He and Megan both challenge the myth that automation is the answer to everything. The real magic? Balance, knowing when to lean on systems and when to bring in the human touch. The episode also dives into raw, real-life examples, including Anthony’s own frustration moment that Megan helped unravel. Not with a workflow, but with a phone call. They unpack how authenticity is becoming the new currency in a world dominated by AI, and how simple, unscripted actions like personal voice notes or live DMs can build real relationships that bots just can't replicate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a personal brand, navigating high-ticket sales, or trying to automate without losing their soul. It's not about killing automation. It’s about knowing when to take your face out of the funnel and show up.…
Episode 50. That’s right, fifty. And what better way to mark the moment than to bring in the two people I’ve probably name-dropped more than anyone else on this show, Nat and Darren from Brandbilt. This episode isn’t just a celebration. It’s a full-circle, behind-the-scenes look at what the last year has meant, what we’ve built, what broke, and why we kept going anyway. From DMs that started with “Hey, remember me?” to building a platform that actually supports our community instead of boxing it in, we’re breaking down how Brandbilt went from an idea to a thriving space filled with real conversation, real collaboration, and real growth. And yeah, we talk about School. We talk about the billing nightmares. We talk about the churn. We talk about what happens when you stop listening to the wrong people and start building what actually works for you. This one is raw, honest, and full of the stuff most people try to hide behind polished funnels and templated BS. It’s a reflection on transformation. Mine, theirs, and the community’s. And it’s also a reminder that the best systems aren’t perfect. They’re intentional. So if you’re building something, breaking something, or trying to figure out what the hell is next, this one’s for you. Welcome to episode 50. Let’s go.…
In this episode of Chronically Automated , Anthony Lobosco and I unpack the real cost of distractions and why multitasking is a myth. Research shows it takes 15 minutes to refocus after a distraction, and that’s time most of us don’t have to waste. We break down the difference between uncontrollable distractions (like kids and pets) and the ones you can eliminate (like phone alerts and bad time blocking). I talk about how I still struggle with bouncing between tasks thanks to ADHD, and why noise-canceling headphones and automation systems have become mission-critical for my workflow. Anthony brings his perspective on navigating productivity with neurological challenges, and we both agree: It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things with clarity and focus. If you’re stuck in the loop of multitasking and burnout, this episode is your roadmap to a simpler, more productive work style.…
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , branding strategist Fabi Paolini breaks down why messaging, not tech, design, or funnels, is what truly drives conversions. While the show usually focuses on systems and automation, this conversation zooms in on the words behind the business, and how the right message builds trust and demand before a sale is even made. Fabi shares her Angle of Mastery framework, which helps entrepreneurs reposition their offers as essential, not optional. Instead of fixating on pain points, she teaches how to speak directly to “power buyers” by reflecting their identity, ambition, and lifestyle. Her process starts with understanding real buyers, identifying the root cause of their problems, and crafting a message that becomes the antidote, then applying it consistently across all content and communication. She also highlights how messaging fuels the rest of your systems, whether it’s content automation or onboarding. Thanks to her approach, she’s built a high-converting, time-efficient business that runs just four hours a day, with sales call close rates as high as 65%. The episode ends with a clear takeaway: without strong messaging, your systems won’t work. But with it, your brand becomes unforgettable. Connect with Fabi Paolini at brandmessagesession.com to book a free 15-minute brand messaging assessment. You can also follow her on LinkedIn and Facebook for powerful insights that help you attract the right clients and stand out online.…
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This one’s for every founder, coach, consultant, or creative who’s ever looked at their calendar and thought, “What fresh hell is this?” If your days are a blur of reschedules, forgotten calls, and mystery meetings that make you question your sanity, welcome. You’re in the right episode. In this conversation, Anthony and I go deep into the mess and magic of scheduling as a business owner. I’m talking about the raw, unfiltered reality of managing a business, a family, a team, multiple brands, and still trying to show up like you’ve got it all together. I don’t. But what I do have is a system. We unpack how I went from seven scattered calendars and inbox chaos to building a setup where things actually flow. Where automation isn’t just some tech buzzword, it’s my survival strategy. I share the backstory behind a YouTube video I made years ago that exploded overnight, all because so many people were drowning in calendar drama and had no idea there was a better way. We also talk about why automation doesn't have to mean soulless or robotic. Done right, it creates space for better conversations, deeper connections, and yes, a few more quiet mornings where you get to sip your coffee like a damn human. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how I choreograph my business around real life, not the other way around. We dig into the emotional load of disorganized operations, the myth of multitasking, and why you should absolutely give your VA access to your calendar (stop clutching your pearls, just do it). If you’re craving a lifestyle that actually works for your brain, your business, and your bandwidth… this episode is your blueprint to start. Calendars aren’t just tools. They’re territory. And if you’re not owning yours, someone else is.…
In this episode, I sat down with Kelly Meerbott, a powerhouse leadership coach who helps top-tier leaders scale without burning out. Kelly opened up about how she went from crushing it in radio sales to being blindsided by a layoff after standing up to a toxic corporate culture. That moment sent her into a spiral, but it also launched her coaching career. She got real about the emotional and professional cost of being a strong woman in business, the importance of having the right support system, and why coaching isn’t a trend, it’s a necessity. Kelly’s approach is all about helping high-performers cut through the noise, own their story, and lead with emotional intelligence. We also talked about her recent challenges, losing contracts, letting team members go, and how she handled it all with clarity, grace, and straight-up leadership. Her people wanted to keep working for her for free. That says it all. If you’re leading at a high level and feeling the pressure, Kelly’s the one you want in your corner. Connect with her at kellymeerbott.com or on LinkedIn . She's open for DMs and always down to offer real talk and real help.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Sean Nihill of Resourceive to get deep into one of my favorite rabbit holes: the chaotic, messy, and totally fixable intersection of tech strategy, automation, AI, and cybersecurity. From the very beginning, we called out the truth so many business owners ignore, technology is only good when it actually works. And when it doesn't, it's usually because someone threw tools at a problem without a real strategy. Sean and I bonded over our shared background in tech and our love for helping businesses, whether SMBs or enterprise, get their systems streamlined and secure. He emphasized the importance of acting as a strategic tech advisor, not just pushing a one-size-fits-all solution. That resonated hard. We dug into cybersecurity hygiene for companies big and small, why two-factor authentication isn't the enemy (it’s your armor, people!), and the hidden costs of data vulnerabilities that too many founders ignore until it's too late. Then came the real meat: automation and AI. I got to share why over-automation is a real thing and how it can strip your brand of the human touch that actually creates customer loyalty. I brought up one of my core beliefs, automations should make your life easier and your customers' experience smoother, not robotic. Sean and I both agreed that overcomplicating your tech stack doesn’t just cost money, it kills momentum and clarity. We called out the common trap of duct-taping 20+ tools together with Zapier and hoping it all holds. Spoiler: it doesn’t. We also talked about when to buy tech versus build it, and why having a strategy from day one will save you from tech debt and team headaches later. This conversation was honest, punchy, and full of real talk about the operational black holes companies fall into, and how to pull yourself out of them with the right support. I loved Sean’s grounded, human-first approach to solving IT and infrastructure problems. He’s not just talking tech, he’s building partnerships, and it shows. Connect with Sean Nihill on LinkedIn and visit resourceive.com to learn how his team helps businesses align tech strategy with real-world growth.…
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The Queen of Automation
On this episode of Chronically Automated , Anthony Lobosco and I tear apart one of the most overlooked productivity roadblocks: the humble to-do list. But this wasn't your vanilla productivity convo. We cracked open what it's really like trying to manage executive function when you're neurodiverse, in chronic pain, or simply exhausted by decision fatigue. Spoiler alert: sticky notes and “just write three things” advice don’t cut it when your brain’s on fire and your calendar’s drowning. We broke down how automation, when it's built around the user, not the task , becomes an external brain. A lifeline. A stress-reliever. Whether it’s dealing with MS-related pain, ADHD inertia, or mental overload, we showed exactly how smart systems create clarity. And not hypotheticals, real workflows I’ve built for Anthony in Digital Magic CRM that give him his time, energy, and sanity back every single day like getting a reminder to follow up with a lead at the exact right moment , without having to think about it. We dug into why over-automation is a real problem (yes, Queen of Automation said it) and how too many systems will wreck your brain faster than no systems. The key? Build your automation around how your brain works. Hate notifications? Use fewer. Need 8,000 like me? Do it. It’s not about doing it “right”, it’s about doing it your way. We also talked Slack, Trello, Google Calendar, iPhone hacks, and RescueTime. But here’s the real takeaway: your systems are only as good as they are customized . You don’t need another SaaS subscription, you need a strategy that actually aligns with your dopamine, your energy, and your life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, exec, or corporate rebel with a chaotic brain, you’re not broken, you just need better systems. This one’s packed with hard truth, humor, and the exact frameworks to take your brain from scattered to strategic. Listen in, laugh a little, learn a lot, and if nothing else, stop working on the shit you hate. It’s killing your productivity and your joy. Let’s fix that.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I (The Queen of Automation) dug into the real experience of living and working with brain fog. We both deal with it regularly, me with ADHD, and Anthony with MS, and while our triggers are different, the outcome is the same: unpredictable mental shutdowns that make even simple tasks feel impossible. For me, it's misplacing my phone five times a day or losing track of what I was doing mid-task. For Anthony, it's the neurological slowdowns that come with MS, making it hard to process, speak, or stay mentally present. We talked about how automation has become a lifeline, not as some cold, robotic fix, but as a practical way to keep things moving when our brains aren’t cooperating. I compared it to bowling bumpers, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about staying on track. I rely heavily on things like time-blocking, notification layers, and task triggers. Anthony calls it choreographing his day. We both agreed that tools like Digital Magic CRM help us set up systems that catch what we’d otherwise drop: onboarding emails, task follow-ups, reminders, all the stuff that drains our mental bandwidth if done manually. We also got real about how ignoring brain fog can lead to missed deadlines, bad customer experiences, and unnecessary stress. That’s why I push for automating even just the task reminders if you’re not ready to automate the full action. And no, it’s not dehumanizing, it's strategic. If you’re constantly forgetting things, automate them. Full stop. Lastly, we closed with a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Don’t be afraid to break things. That’s how better systems get built.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , the conversation takes a refreshing turn from the usual tech talk to explore how storytelling and systems thinking can make a real-world impact, especially in healthcare. Host Meghan introduces Tim Jones, an Emmy Award-winning creative whose journey from Ohio to Hollywood and eventually into healthcare animation is anything but ordinary. Tim started out in feature animation at Warner Brothers before diving into digital media and storytelling for the web, where he earned an Emmy for animated shorts for ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning . The heart of the episode focuses on Tim’s shift into healthcare, where his work uses animation to help children and veterans better understand complex medical journeys. His company, Health Nuts Media, translates overwhelming health data into emotionally resonant stories, making difficult topics like chemotherapy and hospice care more approachable. Tim shares how animation can break cultural barriers, reduce fear, and create empathy, not just for patients but also for overworked healthcare staff who need better communication tools. Throughout, Meghan and Tim reflect on how systems aren't just tech, they're the intentional frameworks we build through mindset, storytelling, and emotional connection. Connect with Tim to learn more about how storytelling can transform the way we approach healthcare and communication at healthnutsmedia.com or find him on LinkedIn.…
Welcome to the kickoff episode of Chronically Automated , where I, Megan Donnelly, also known as The Queen of Automation, sit down with my friend and fellow entrepreneur Anthony Lobosco to talk about what it really means to run a business when you’re living with a chronic condition or navigating neurodiversity. This isn’t your typical tech chat. We’re not here to glorify hustle or throw out generic productivity tips. We’re here to talk about how automation, done right, can support you when your brain or body decides to take the day off, and how it’s become our secret weapon for staying in the game. In this episode, we dive into our personal stories, mine with ADHD, and Anthony’s with MS, and how both of us had to rebuild the way we work to match the reality of our lives. From managing brain fog and sudden pain to parenting, pitching, and still showing up as founders, we share how automation has helped us create systems that don’t just make us more productive, they make our lives more livable. We also get real about something no one talks about enough: the systems we’re all taught to follow were built for neurotypical, able-bodied people. So instead of trying to force ourselves to fit those rules, we’ve built our own, with CRMs, smart notifications, AI workflows, and a whole lot of radical honesty. Whether it’s my army of pinging smart devices or Anthony’s energy-based task batching, everything we do is designed to support how we function best. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s ever felt like the way the world works just isn’t built for you, this series is for you. Chronically Automated is about turning real challenges into real systems that hold you up, even when you can’t. Let us show you how to build a business that’s human-first, sustainable, and still wildly effective.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode, I brought on Mando Sallavanti from Freedom Path Wealth to talk about why traditional finance advice doesn’t work for modern professionals. He’s not preaching sacrifice now to maybe enjoy life at 65. His focus is on using money intentionally, today, so you can actually live the lifestyle you're working so hard to build. We talked about why “work-life balance” is a dead concept, and how real freedom comes from integrating your finances with how you want to live right now. Mando shared how he helps clients automate cashflow using a system that routes all income into a central “reservoir” before it's distributed to checking, investments, and savings. This flips the usual behavior of spending first and maybe saving later. With real-time visibility into the system, his team can act proactively, no waiting on spreadsheets or client guesswork. It’s one of the smartest, most efficient ways I’ve seen financial automation done. We also got into the psychology of money, why most people either hoard it out of fear or burn through it assuming tomorrow is guaranteed. Mando challenges both extremes. His standard: save at least 25% of your income for the long term and spend the rest without guilt. If you can’t do that, it’s not a budgeting issue, it's an income issue. And income problems are solved by investing in skills, mentorship, and growth, not by cutting back on essentials. The best part is that he’s not selling magic. He’s helping people implement systems, stay accountable, and actually follow through. It’s not about having more information, it’s about having the right execution strategy. If you're building a business or career and still feel like you’re trading time for money, this episode will shift your thinking. Connect with Mando on LinkedIn to see how he’s helping small business owners, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs build real financial systems that support freedom, not just some vague “retirement” plan.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode, I sat down with the brilliant Elizabeth, founder of The Efficiency Queen , whose rise from virtual assistant to backend systems strategist is a full-on masterclass in scaling through simplicity. Elizabeth has built a business around doing what most service-based founders avoid: making systems sexy, streamlined, and seriously profitable. We talk about how she moved from hourly VA work to high-ticket backend consulting, all while rebranding herself as “The Queen of Automation”, and living up to every inch of the title. She breaks down how she uses her white-labeled GoHighLevel setup to create a powerful hybrid model: part agency, part SaaS, and entirely client-centered. Her approach is bold—she’s not stacking more tools, she’s reducing them. Not offering more custom builds, but building smarter containers that drive long-term results. This episode is packed with strategy for anyone tired of piecing together tech stacks and chasing the next shiny app. Elizabeth shows us what it looks like to own your expertise, charge for outcomes, and build systems that support scale without selling your sanity . If you're ready to move from being the bottleneck to building a business that runs like magic, this conversation will light the match. Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn , follow her for unfiltered insight on systems that scale, behind the scenes gems from her automation builds, and fresh takes on how to simplify your backend without sacrificing growth. Whether you’re a done-for-you service provider, agency founder, or coach with a growing client load, Elizabeth is someone you want in your corner when it’s time to clean up the chaos and level up your operations…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation, host Megan dives into an energetic, no-holds-barred conversation with Cory Falter, partner at Lure Agency and president of HSMAI San Diego. Cory shares how he and his team are shaking up the stagnant hospitality industry by helping independent hotels and hospitality vendors move away from a broken, reactive sales culture and into a more proactive, profitable approach. The discussion highlights how Lure Agency specializes in B2B marketing for independent hotels, steering them away from overreliance on third-party platforms like Booking.com and Expedia that siphon off up to 30% of revenue per booking. Cory breaks down how the hospitality sector, battered by the COVID shutdowns but still largely stuck in old-school habits, needs to stop depending on external lead sources and start driving direct business. He stresses that the industry’s addiction to intermediaries not only eats away at profitability but also directly lowers property valuations when hotels go to sell. Megan and Cory also unpack the severe consequences of poor digital customer experiences, using personal anecdotes to illustrate how big brands have allowed user frustration to become the norm. Cory points out that while revenge travel temporarily masked systemic problems, the hospitality space is about to get blindsided by generative AI, and those who don't adapt will lose out fast. Boutique and independent hotels are positioned to win because they can act quickly and build personalized, human-first experiences both online and offline, something bureaucratic giants like Marriott and Hilton can’t keep up with. Cory emphasizes that hotels must stop commoditizing themselves through faceless RFP processes and impersonal booking funnels and instead craft emotional, meaningful connections from the very first touchpoint. He offers Parker Palm Springs as a rare success story: a boutique hotel whose online experience fully aligns with its in-person brand, creating a cohesive and magnetic guest journey. Finally, Cory introduces Lure Agency’s new “Breakouts” program, designed to teach hotel sales teams and vendors how to build direct, relationship-driven revenue pipelines that put them back in control of their growth. This episode is a masterclass in why standing still is no longer an option in hospitality, and how the ones who embrace digital transformation, automation, and brand experience will own the future. Connect with Cory on LinkedIn to learn more about how you can drive direct revenue, reclaim your brand experience, and future-proof your hospitality business .…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , I sat down with Phyllis Winters, an AI and automation strategist with a deep background in systems thinking and real-world implementation. She’s worked across industries, from manufacturing to digital agencies, helping fast-moving businesses create operational clarity with technology that actually supports their growth. Phyllis brings a rare combo to the table: strategic thinking that’s grounded in business logic, and the technical know-how to make automation work without losing the human experience. We talked about what really goes wrong when founders rush into tech without a clear understanding of their customer journey, and how automation, when done wrong, just makes broken processes run faster. This conversation cuts through the hype. We explored why user experience must come before workflow mapping, how AI can truly support lean teams, and why building a system that works for you , not just your software, is the key to digital transformation that doesn’t backfire. Phyllis knows how to take messy, overcomplicated backends and turn them into systems that feel intuitive, for you and your clients. If you’ve been duct-taping your tech together and calling it a process, this one’s going to hit home. Connect with Phyllis on LinkedIn and see how she’s helping businesses bring strategy back into systems.…
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The Queen of Automation
1 Episode #41 The Anti-Hustle Recruiting Model: How Megan Juliano Built Her Business on Clarity 28:22
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , I sat down with Megan Juliano, founder of Digi Staffing Solutions and the definition of building a personal brand that actually works . We talked about what it really takes to run a lean, high-performing recruiting business that doesn’t just rely on hustle, but runs on intention and systems that make sense. Megan shared how she went from corporate tech recruiting to building her own firm, focused on go-to-market talent, and how she flipped the typical “recruiter spam” narrative on LinkedIn by showing up with bold, direct, no-fluff content that gets results. She's not interested in being just another recruiter in someone’s inbox, she’s built a brand that attracts the right people and makes them want to work with her. We also got into the myth of work-life balance (spoiler: neither of us believe in it), how she structures her day to protect her energy, and why she treats her content like a non-negotiable business system, not an afterthought. From her client pipeline to her tech stack, Megan runs a solo business with the precision of a well-oiled machine, but she does it in a way that still feels fully aligned with how she wants to live. And yes, I tried to convince her to launch a newsletter, because the way she thinks, writes, and builds relationships is too good not to scale. This episode is all about building smarter, not just bigger, using systems that give you time back, and a brand that keeps working even when you’re not logged in. Connect with Megan on LinkedIn and follow her journey, she’s the kind of recruiter rewriting the rulebook.…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation , host Megan Donnelly welcomes Nathan from Kodiak Consulting, a fellow member of the Brand Built community and a powerhouse in helping entrepreneurs lay unshakable business foundations. They dig into the truth about building a business that doesn’t just grow, it thrives sustainably. Nathan unpacks how he partners with founders to clarify direction, simplify operations, and create systems rooted in intention, not overwhelm. Rather than talking at clients, he’s known for his ability to co-create with them, bringing warmth, clarity, and a deep sense of support to what can often feel like a chaotic journey. The conversation smashes the outdated myth of "work-life balance," replacing it with a mindset focused on lifestyle design and time management. Nathan emphasizes building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. They also explore the psychology behind motivation vs. inspiration, reframing motivation as a strategic external force that sparks internal purpose. Megan and Nathan discuss how automation, technology, and even mindset work best when rooted in systems , and how systems aren’t about tools, they’re about repeatable habits built on clear processes. A business doesn’t need to run on 18-step automations to be successful, it needs clarity of outcome and alignment with how the owner actually wants to live. Nathan introduces the idea of mind shift , a more powerful evolution of mindset, where instead of just “thinking bigger,” entrepreneurs shift their mental framework toward tangible goals and actionable systems. He also delivers an absolute masterclass in analogies (yes, the biscuit and gravy one is a gem), and shares practical wisdom around SOPs, over-processing, and why most business owners actually know their systems are broken but don’t know how to fix them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ready to simplify their tech, streamline their business habits, and finally design a business that doesn’t burn them out. Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn to learn more about his upcoming YouTube channel, foundational business strategy work, and how you can work with him one-on-one to design systems that actually serve your lifestyle.…
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The Queen of Automation
On this episode of The Queen of Automation , I sat down with Mark Bentcover, Agile strategist, Lean systems expert, and the brain behind Creative Kraken. We had the kind of conversation that cuts through the noise and gets to the real stuff: how to actually make tech and systems work for you, not the other way around. Mark’s background is deep, IBM, Boeing, decades of program management, but what makes him brilliant is how he brings creative energy into operations. We talked about the myth of work-life balance, why most people are using tech backwards, and how to align your business around a purpose that actually matters. We also went deep on agile thinking (for life and business), the obsession with automation for automation’s sake, and how to stop wasting time on tools that don’t move the needle. If you’re building, scaling, or just trying to make your systems feel less chaotic, this one’s going to hit. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn if you’re ready to think differently about operations, creativity, and how to run your business like it was built on purpose .…
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The Queen of Automation
In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sit down with PJ Valentini to explore how discipline, adaptability, and creativity have shaped his unconventional journey from martial arts instructor to sales professional at IDN Directory. With a background in teaching karate for 15 years and a third-degree black belt, PJ realized running a martial arts studio wasn’t his path. Instead, he reinvented himself as a front-end developer, but a family health crisis brought him to Tennessee, where he unexpectedly pivoted into sales. Encouraged by his sales team and his mother, PJ embraced the challenge of sales. What began as an experiment turned into a successful five-year journey, where he now promotes IDN Directory, a SaaS tool that helps healthcare suppliers connect with decision-makers at Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). His mission is to streamline supply chains by connecting top vendors with healthcare leaders through powerful, targeted solutions. Despite describing his work as a “faceless mission,” PJ understands that building a personal brand is essential for credibility in today’s digital world. His relentless discipline, rooted in his martial arts training, drives his approach to sales, from setting personal boundaries to constantly learning from mentors, even if it means cringing over LinkedIn posts at 3 AM. PJ’s journey highlights that success comes from discipline, adaptability, and authenticity. His focus on building relationships and refining his approach to reach the right customers shows his dedication to growth. Connect with PJ to discover how the IDN Directory can help you make powerful connections in the healthcare industry. Find him on LinkedIn under PJ Valentini or reach out directly at PJValentini@IDNdirectory.com.…
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