Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive aspects of being 'selfishly' productive. We dive deep into maintaining mental health at work, the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of consultative sales, and strategies to avoid people-pleasing traps. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to inspire and guide you in both business and life. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!

Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the cool boss? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive?

In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing between people-pleasing and micromanaging.

You'll learn:
✅ How trying too hard to be liked quietly erodes your team’s performance
✅ The role of clear expectations in keeping things fun and high performing
✅ How to handle tough conversations without turning into a jerk

If you’ve been struggling with slipping standards, second-guessing your leadership, or just want to finally build a team that respects you and enjoys working with you, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of relationship building. Paige also delves into the evolution of her company, from a solo operation to a team of 15, and the importance of proactive digital asset management. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on maintaining sanity in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.

Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here!

In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content vision is crucial before involving a VA. We also share experiences and advice on why high-level strategy should come first and what roles VAs can effectively fill. Tune in to discover the best approach to optimizing your marketing efforts with the right support.

00:00 Introduction: Can a VA Help with Content and Social Media?

00:11 Determining Your Needs: Strategist or Executor?

00:40 When a VA Can Execute Your Content Strategy

01:06 The Importance of Clarity Before Execution

01:25 Personal Experience: The Pitfalls of Skipping Strategy

02:10 Deciding Between a Strategist and a VA

02:48 Conclusion: Finding the Right Support for Your Team

In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizing the importance of making processes simple and fun. If you’re curious about integrating AI into your business and maintaining sanity in the process, this episode is a must-watch!

00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity

00:42 Introducing Stephanie Sidebottom

01:35 The Philosophy of Imperfect Action

03:12 The Struggle with Perfectionism

07:26 Finding Alignment in Business

15:03 Embracing AI for Business Growth

26:43 Using AI for Personal Tasks

27:53 Exploring AI Platforms and Custom Bots

30:48 Staying Updated with AI

32:42 Balancing Learning and Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome

36:07 AI Tools and Software Recommendations

42:30 Building Custom AI Solutions for Businesses

50:00 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what is a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable.

If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask “what does that even mean?”—this one’s for you.

🎯 Why systems aren’t just tech tools or SOPs
🧠 The key traits of a system that actually works
📈 How to build systems that grow with you

Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make business easier—one simple system at a time.

🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to auxosvs.com to learn more.
🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with #AskSam in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!

Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being brave and open to opportunities, and the transformative power of networking and delegating. This episode is packed with insights on maintaining sanity in business, balancing personal and professional life, and continuously evolving as a leader. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons designed to help entrepreneurs thrive!

00:00 Introduction to Strategy Solutions and Sanity

00:43 First Live Show and Special Guest Introduction

02:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Collaboration

03:55 A Story of Lost Sanity in Business

09:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations

15:33 Investing in Yourself and Your Business

24:54 Wearing a Suit and Zoom Calls

25:09 Identifying and Overcoming Business Weaknesses

25:52 Mastermind Groups and Sales Skills

26:39 Delegating Tasks and Social Media

29:39 Imposter Syndrome and CEO Role

31:04 Embracing White Space and Personal Time

35:19 New Ventures and Podcasting

39:41 Writing Books and Overcoming Self-Doubt

43:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again.

In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the real things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover:

• The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed
• What a “good enough” starting point looks like
• Why waiting until you're “ready” is just a fancy form of procrastination

Whether you’re drowning in admin work or just tired of doing everything yourself, this is your permission slip to move forward—even if it’s messy.

🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to auxosvs.com to learn more.

🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with #AskSam in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!