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What happens when the host of the show becomes the one answering the questions?
This episode is a little different in the best way. I handed over the mic to someone who has been in the trenches with me for years: Marisa Vittoria, our incredible VP of Operations and the steady, strategic, big-hearted co-strategist behind so much of what we do here at Team JK.
Together, we pulled back the curtain on some of the biggest shifts happening in my business and in my own life, many of which might surprise even longtime listeners!
From leadership growing pains and shifting team dynamics to rethinking who I’m really here to serve and how I want to show up moving forward… we covered it all.
This was an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation that felt more like chatting over coffee than a formal interview, and that’s exactly the kind of vibe I want to bring to you.
What Redefining “Growth” Really Looks Like
Something shifted in me this year.
For the first time in my career, I didn’t kick off the year chasing a revenue goal or trying to outperform our past successes. I didn’t want to run faster, I wanted to slow down. To protect my peace. To stop trying to outdo myself at every turn.
So when Marisa returned from maternity leave ready to sprint and asked what our big goals were for the year, I had to tell her: the goal isn’t more. That was a bit of a stretch for both of us, but it sparked a deeper conversation about what “enough” really means and what we’re building this business for in the first place.
We started thinking less about how we could do more, and more about how we could do things better, more intentionally, and in alignment with the life we want to live. It wasn’t about playing small, it was about playing smart.
Rediscovering Our “Why” (and Who We’re Creating For)
At the same time, we were doing some big reconnection work around who we’re really here for. We ran a deep-dive survey, one that brought us right back to the heart of the work: our community. The woman listening. Reading. Learning. Starting.
We lovingly call her “Sarah.” She’s our ICA—our Ideal Client Avatar—and while her name could just as easily be Rosie or Ashley or Jessica, she represents so many women in our world. Women who are at the beginning of something big, even if they don’t feel quite ready.
And what we learned? She’s already overwhelmed. Already second-guessing. Already wondering if she has what it takes.
What she needs most isn’t more strategy, it’s belief. Proof. Encouragement. Simple steps she can take that build confidence, brick by brick.
That reminder changed how I think about everything I create, from podcast episodes to product launches. It’s made me fall in love with beginners all over again.
What’s Been Stretching Me Behind the Scenes
This year didn’t come without some hard leadership lessons.
We faced team transitions, some expected, others that knocked the wind out of me. As someone who loves deeply and leads with heart, navigating these changes stretched me in ways I didn’t see coming.
And while loving your team is beautiful, it can also cloud your clarity as a leader. I’ve had to learn how to make hard decisions without losing my compassion. I’ve had to practice being honest, direct, and brave, even when it would be easier to avoid the tough stuff.
One thing I’m so grateful for in all of this is having a partner like Marisa. She helps me stay grounded and reminds me of what we’re building, even on the hard days. Together, we’ve learned how to lead with both kindness and conviction.
The Concept That Changed the Game for Me
If there’s one idea that completely reframed the way I think about growth this year, it came from a book I almost didn’t read.
The book 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy sounded like it was written for hustle culture bros—honestly, I rolled my eyes at the title. But when I finally gave it a chance, it landed hard.
The concept is this: doubling your results often means doing more of what you’re already doing. But 10X growth? That requires eliminating most of what isn’t working and doubling down on the very few things that are.
It’s not about working harder. It’s about working cleaner. More focused. More intentionally.
That one idea shifted how I approach content creation, launches, strategy, you name it. And it validated something I’ve felt for a long time: we don’t need to do more to grow. We need to get better at doing less… better.
Building a Business That’s Legacy-Focused (Not Just Strategy-Fueled)
Legacy has always been in the back of my mind, but lately, it’s been front and center.
Not because I’m trying to make a name for myself, but because I want my work to actually mean something. I want the things I create to reflect what I believe, not just what performs well.
More and more, I’m asking myself: if this post, this podcast, this product was the last thing someone ever saw from me, would it represent who I am and what I stand for?
I want to live and work in a way that feels aligned. Not just in the day-to-day of my business, but in how I show up for my family, my community, and the world around me. I want to raise my girls in a world where they see their mom showing up with conviction and clarity, and maybe even a little spice from time to time.
And if I’m being really honest, I want the work I do to be the least interesting thing about me. I want to have a rich, full life that includes but isn’t defined by my career.
In Closing
This conversation with Marisa was one of my favorites, not just because of what we talked about, but because of how we talked about it. It was honest. Reflective. A little messy. A little spicy. And deeply rooted in love for what we do and the people we do it for.
If you’re in a season of change—whether you’re scaling up, slowing down, or figuring out what’s next—I hope this episode felt like a deep breath for you.
Remember: you’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to rethink everything. You’re allowed to rebuild.
Everything’s changing… and that might just be a beautiful thing.
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