You know those conversations where you're like, “Wait—why isn’t everyone talking about this?” That’s exactly how I felt talking to Mike Shu.Mike is the founder of a super successful SEO agency, a digital nomad, and someone who’s mastered the art of direct response marketing (aka what actually moves the needle in business). And get this—he doesn’t even think most businesses under $1M/year should be doing SEO.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Mike went from burnout and cold calls to building an agency he loves
• The difference between brand marketing vs. direct response (and when to use each)
• The secret to making SEO actually work in today’s AI-driven world
• Why your offer matters way more than your Instagram content
• The rookie mistakes most entrepreneurs make (he made them too)

Action Steps:

1. Study the psychology behind buying decisions (start with Dan Kennedy).
2. Don’t obsess over going viral—focus on messaging that speaks to your ideal client’s pain points.
3. Build a product so good your clients do the marketing for you.

If you’re building your brand, selling online, or wondering how to scale smarter—this episode is for you.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What do you do when the corporate ladder leaves you feeling unfulfilled—but you’re still craving structure, stability, and impact? For Carol, that answer was stepping away from a high-level advertising career, starting a jewelry brand born out of personal grief, and ultimately buying a successful subscription box business that now fuels thousands of women every month.

In this episode, Carol shares her winding path to owning Sparkle Hustle Grow, a subscription box and membership community for female entrepreneurs. We talk about the real story behind buying a business (spoiler: it’s not as glamorous as Instagram makes it seem), the role personal development plays in business success, and how masterminding and community support can help you grow faster than any online course.

Carol’s Action Steps for the Week:

1. Write down your dream life—what do you really want?

2. Choose 1–2 things from that dream to work toward in the next 6 months.

3. Break down one of those goals into 3 clear, actionable steps you can take this week.

Connect with Carol:

Website: https://www.sparklehustlegrow.com/

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

Join the membership: https://sparklehustlegrow.vipmembervault.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espressopodproduction

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What does it take to grow a fitness business that stands the test of time? In this episode we are joined by Laura Mak Quist — a veteran in the wellness and fitness industry with over 30 years of experience coaching women through strength training, yoga, nutrition, and life transitions.

From training athletes and TV personalities to launching a fitness clothing line and now running an online studio, Laura shares how she's continued to evolve her business to match her life stages — from competing in professional fitness to becoming a mom in her 40s. This episode is packed with advice for aspiring fitness coaches, service-based entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in building a business with staying power.

In this episode:

• How Laura transitioned from gym employee to business owner
• What it takes to niche down and stand out in the crowded fitness space
• Why pivoting is the secret to long-term business success
• Her honest take on motherhood, Hashimoto’s, and the wellness industry
• The power of intuition, adaptability, and listening to your audience
• Why movement, strength, and mobility matter for business owners too

Action Steps:

1. Add more movement into your day — even just 10 extra minutes of walking.
2. Strength train regularly to maintain muscle and support longevity.
3. Incorporate mobility into your routine through yoga or stretching.

Connect with Laura:

Website: https://www.lauramakfitlife.com

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

Online Studio: theyogafitlife.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espressopodproduction

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.