What does it take to partner with a national chain while maintaining the freedom to work on your own terms? In this conversation with Desiree Brogan, a nurse practitioner at the Cranbrook Salon, we explore how she's created a successful aesthetic business by partnering with Skin Clique, who provides that support without sacrificing independence. Desiree shares her journey from working in hospitals to offering medical aesthetic services, the benefits of having a national brand behind her while maintaining a personalized boutique experience, and how she's built her practice through authentic relationships and word-of-mouth referrals. Whether you're considering a career in aesthetics or curious about what sets different providers apart, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable practice that prioritizes both patient safety and provider flexibility.HIGHLIGHTS• How Skin Clique allows providers to work as independent contractors with flexible schedules while providing comprehensive support including charting systems, malpractice coverage, and product inventory• The importance of having 700+ colleagues to consult with for complex cases and ongoing support• Why moving from a shared space to her own studio increased revenue by 65%• The power of vulnerability on social media—sharing her GLP-1 weight loss journey inspired patients to seek help• How a $100 referral credit program drives word-of-mouth growth• The stepped training protocol that ensures providers build experience safely before advancing to more complex procedures• Why treating patients holistically (full face assessment, skincare routine, SPF protection) matters more than just addressing one concern• The value of being equipped to handle complications personally rather than handing patients off to another providerCHAPTERS[0:00] Introduction to Desiree Brogan[1:02] Desiree's Role and Services at Skin Clique[1:39] Working with Skin Clique: Flexibility and Independence[3:42] Training and Support at Skin Clique[7:14] Personalized Patient Care[12:19] Social Media and Patient Engagement[16:54] Referral Program and Events[18:17] Transition to a New Location[24:53] Safety and Training Protocols[26:33] Holistic Approach to Patient Care[28:02] Conclusion and Contact InformationRESOURCES MENTIONED• Skin Clique - National aesthetic services company providing support for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors offering medical aesthetic treatmentshttps://www.skinclique.com• Contact Desiree at Utopiahttps://utopiamodernsalon.com/location/cranbrook/• Desiree Brogan on Instagram - @desireebrogan_nphttps://www.instagram.com/desireebrogan_np• Desiree Brogan on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/desiree.brogan22To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What if the best decades of your life are still ahead of you? My grandmother has spent her life proving that aging isn't about shrinking—it's about clarifying. From starting her first business in her fifties to becoming a master gardener in her late seventies, she's shown me that life doesn't have an expiration date on growth, reinvention, or joy. Today, she shares the wisdom she's gathered across eight decades: why your forties are transformative, how to stop judging yourself, what it means to be truly present, and why the past doesn't define your future. If you've ever felt like it's "too late" for something, this conversation will change your mind.HIGHLIGHTS• Why the forties are the best decade—and what makes them so transformative• How to learn from your mistakes without living in regret• The connection between judgment and presence (and why you can't have both)• What it takes to build character traits like integrity at any age• Why moving outside your bubble creates exponential personal growth• How to let go of worrying about what other people think• The importance of forgiving yourself—and others• Why women need to stop judging themselves and start saving for their future• What a good life actually looks like: health, presence, and acceptanceCHAPTERS[1:04] - Introduction: Why I'm Not Afraid of Aging[1:58] - What Mattered Then That Doesn't Matter Now[3:50] - The Power of Being Present[7:53] - Remembering the Good Shots: Life Like Golf[9:33] - Seasons That Surprised Her[11:48] - Moving to Atlanta: Starting Over in Your Forties[14:23] - Building Integrity in Your Forties[16:08] - It's Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50[19:05] - Letting Go of Hesitation and What Others Think[20:26] - What I Want You to Know at 40[21:57] - One Kind Truth for Your Younger Self[23:03] - What to Be Proud Of: Integrity and Acceptance[24:53] - What Women Worry About Too Much[26:17] - What Women Need to Worry About More[26:52] - What a Good Life Actually Looks LikeWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

As we mark Kansas' 165th birthday, we're exploring what it means to truly know and love this state. From hidden rock formations in the northwest to thrift stores that draw travelers from across the country, Kansas holds surprises even for those who've lived here their whole lives. We sit down with Colby Sharples Terry from Kansas Tourism to talk about her journey from wanting to leave Kansas to becoming one of its biggest champions, the power of local guides like "Patty from Goodland," and why Kansas Day matters more than most people realize. Whether you're a lifelong Kansan or just passing through, this conversation will change how you see the Sunflower State.Highlights• Colby's "On the Road and to the Stars" TV show has expanded statewide across Kansas• Kansas Tourism is releasing 34 gift boxes featuring Kansas artisan products for Kansas Day• The importance of local community warriors who share their towns with visitors• Why Castle Rock deserves as much attention as Monument Rocks• How thrift shopping has become a legitimate travel draw for Kansas towns• Big Ed's Steakhouse in Bird City as a must-visit Kansas dining destination• The surprising fact that most states don't celebrate their birthday like Kansas does• Why winter is actually the best time to explore Kansas state parks and hiking trails• How Kansas continues to surprise visitors with its progressive history and diverse topographyChapters[0:00] Family Christmas and My Kansas Flag[1:30] Introduction to Kansas Day[2:45] Interview with Kolby from Kansas Tourism[5:17] Kansas Tourism Campaigns and Celebrations[8:30] Exploring Kansas: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences[15:45] Fashion and Thrift Shopping in Kansas[20:15] Kansas Food Adventures[25:30] Kansas History and Fun Facts[30:00] Nostalgic School Memories[32:15] Kansas Day Traditions[34:00] Planning a Kansas Trip for Influencers[38:45] Challenges of Traveling in Kansas[41:30] Winter Adventures in Kansas[44:00] Surprising Facts About Kansas[48:15] Celebrity Encounters and Kansas Destinations[52:30] Who's That Kansan? High Flying Edition[58:45] Closing Remarks and FarewellResources• Kansas Tourism website: travelks.com• Kansas Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube• Sunflower Summer app• Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence, Kansas)• Big Ed's Steakhouse (Bird City, Kansas)• Castle Rock (northwest Kansas)• Monument Rocks (western Kansas)• Garden of Eden (Lucas, Kansas)• Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (Atchison, Kansas)• Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, Kansas)This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What if you could gain back an entire day every week just by changing how you manage your time? As second act business owners, we don't have the luxury of decades to figure things out—we need to make every moment count. Today I'm sharing the exact frameworks and tools I use with my coaching clients to help them reclaim 20% of their week and focus on what truly matters: revenue-generating activities. You'll learn how to identify where your time is actually going (spoiler: it's probably not where you think), create a default calendar that works with your life instead of against it, and master the art of deciding what deserves your attention and what doesn't. Time is the one resource you can never get more of, so let's make sure you're investing it wisely in building your second act business.HIGHLIGHTS• The Eisenhower Matrix breaks down tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important (do first), important but not urgent (schedule), urgent but not important (delegate), and neither urgent nor important (eliminate)• The Three Ds strategy—Do, Delegate, Dump—gives you a simple framework for handling everything that lands on your plate• A default calendar isn't about perfection; it's a flexible tool that helps you allocate time to key business categories like operations, sales, networking, and product development• Tracking your time in 15-minute increments for just one week can boost your productivity by 25%• Spending 30-40% of your time on revenue-generating activities is the key to building a business you can sell within 10 years• By eliminating quadrant three activities (urgent but not important), you can reclaim 20% of your week—that's 52 extra days per yearCHAPTERS0:00 - Importance of Time1:24 - Identifying and Prioritizing Your Time2:32 - Understanding the Eisenhower Matrix6:48 - The Three Ds: Do, Delegate, Dump7:38 - Creating a Default Calendar14:42 - Maximizing Revenue Generating ActivitiesRESOURCES MENTIONED• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey• Default Calendar Template: https://goleegray.actioncoachlp.com/download-hereWant to get more help from Lee with your business? Visit her website: https://leegray.actioncoach.com/This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information, visit ictpod.net.

What does it take to celebrate 250 years of American history—and why should Kansas be at the center of that celebration? This year marks the Sesquicentennial of the United States, and Kansas is going all in with year-long events, community challenges, and unique partnerships that showcase the resilience and spirit of Kansans. We sit down with Rosa Cavazos, Special Projects Coordinator for Kansas Travel and Tourism, who shares how the Kansas 250 Commission is bringing communities together through everything from outdoor challenges to chocolate festivals. Rosa also opens up about her journey from thinking there was "nothing to do" in Kansas to becoming a passionate advocate for the state, her work with national Latino organizations, and the power of volunteering. Plus, we take a trip to Waldo, Kansas—yes, that Waldo—and discover how this tiny town embraces its connection to the famous red-and-white-striped character.HIGHLIGHTS• Kansas is celebrating America's 250th birthday throughout the entire year with events in communities across the state• The Kansas 250 Commission has partnered with organizations like Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a 250-point challenge and      From the Land of Kansas for special product boxes• A statewide service day is planned for September 11, 2026, encouraging Kansans to volunteer in their communities• Rosa Cavazos created the Topeka Chocolate Festival, which drew 50,000 people and featured 100 chocolate entries• Rosa chairs a national Latino organization based in DC and has spoken at the National Mall about women's healthcare and equal pay• Communities like Ottawa have created "250 things to do" lists, while Junction City and Atchison are planning special parades and events• The Great American Picnic on July 5th will encourage neighbors to gather in parks and on their blocks• Waldo, Kansas—population 30—fully embraces its connection to the "Where's Waldo?" book series with a statue in the city park• Waldo was founded in 1888 as a railroad town and once had three newspapers serving 300 residentsCHAPTERS00:00 - New Year Resolutions and Family Stories02:36 - Celebrating the Sesquicentennial: Kansas 250 Commission03:26 - Meet Rosa Cavazos: Special Projects Coordinator05:08 - Kansas 250 Events and Community Involvement15:15 - Personal Insights and Volunteering22:47 - Event Planning Tips and Teamwork23:52 - Challenges of Organizing a Large Festival26:52 - Unique Challenges of Planning for the 250th Anniversary32:21 - Celebrating Kansas' Heritage and Diversity36:45 - Exploring Waldo, Kansas39:56 - Where's Waldo?43:02 - Conclusion and FarewellRESOURCES MENTIONED• America250KS.com - Official Kansas 250 Commission website with events, merchandise, and community celebrations - https://america250ks.com• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - Partner for the 250 Challenge featuring state parks, fishing, hiking, and camping - https://ksoutdoors.com• From the Land of Kansas - Organization promoting Kansas-grown products with special Kansas 250 boxes available January through July - https://fromthelandofkansas.com• Kansas State Library - Monthly book series featuring Kansas authors and topics - https://kslib.info• Boot Hill Distillery - Creating a special bourbon collection for Kansas 250 - https://boothilldistillery.com• MANA National Organization - National Latino organization focused on women's healthcare and equal pay issues - https://hermana.org• Watkins Museum (Lawrence) - Hosting "Hide the Semiquins" scavenger hunt with the Kansas 250 bison mascot - https://watkinsmuseum.org• Newspapers.com - Historical newspaper archive - https://newspapers.comThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net