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When Everything Is Important with Shanea Dangerfield · Serious Lady Business

• Leslie Youngblood (00:01) Welcome to Serious Lady Business. I'm Leslie Youngblood, your host, feminist and founder of Youngblood MMC, a marketing media and content agency. Today we are joined by Shania Dangerfield. Shania is the founder of FieldWise Consulting and strategic advisor to founders. She helps leaders navigate strategic decisions, strengthen their leadership, and build the operating maturity needed to grow. Her work is shaped by 20 plus years in strategy and operations, including owning and scaling a $1 billion category at Google. She brings a calm, steady presence to complex environments and partners with founders to get clarity and move forward with confidence. Welcome, Shania. Shanea Dangerfield (00:40) Thank you so much for having me, Leslie. Leslie Youngblood (00:42) Yes, I am excited to dig in with you. We are going to talk about when everything is important and how founders can navigate the growth, identity shifts and high stakes decisions that they probably didn't realize that they were going to continuously encounter in entrepreneurship and even leadership. And so I would love to start there when founders say everything feels important. What's actually happening beneath the surface, Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (01:10) Yeah, well first and foremost, say when your business is growing, you're going to get to this phase where suddenly you're thinking, my goodness, all these decisions are stacking up. Analysis, paralysis, everything is important. And I joke, when everything's important, nothing is important. ⁓ But. Oftentimes it's just a current phase where you are and that means your business is doing well and it's growing and this is a normal, completely normal state that all founders and leaders get to. And so really I like to say when this happens, what is it that is your kind of why and what is the... goal here, right? And a lot of that is with the vision and where they want to take their company in the next year, in the next six months and kind of grounding on that. I mean, that helps to get clarity and bring focus into what should be my priority ⁓ today, right? What do need to focus in order to move the needle in my business? Leslie Youngblood (02:15) Yes, I love that. And I love that you said that that is normal because I think any person, I know this goes for myself, where you think this is impossible or you think you're the only one that's ever gone through something and tried to figure something out, whether it's good or bad. And so to realize this is normal, other people have figured this out. There is a way to get through this. I have tools, have resources, individuals that can help me figure this out ⁓ is so refreshing and just a good reminder that it can be done and that you also said to come back to where they want to go in their business because I've worked with founders when it comes to marketing and coming up with a plan for the following year and what audience or vertical do you want to focus on? There's no wrong answer. I'll say like there's no here's the good and the bad thing. There's no wrong answer. It's just where do you want to take it? I am not the ultimate decision maker at the end of the day. You are. We will support where you envision this organization going. And so I think, you know, just some really great insight for those listening right now on navigating those experiences. Shanea Dangerfield (03:25) Yeah, yeah, and I love what you said of there's there's no wrong decision because I think often it's like this is good or bad and really it's just trade-offs. It's like what am I saying no to today so I can say yes and focus on these things going forward. Leslie Youngblood (03:42) Yes, I love that. And I just saw a TikTok from Gary V earlier today, and it was about how he said, you can change your mind anytime. You can change your mind. Right. And we just think we get so locked into certain decisions and situations and identities that we forget. And I would love to hear your perspective on when you recognize you're at an inflection point, not just having a busy or stressful season. What is the difference there, Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (04:11) Yeah, so I feel like ⁓ when you're a busy season, it feels familiar because you've usually gone through it before, right? And we have ebbs and flows within our business. I would say when you're in an inflection point or that next phase of your business, the same effort doesn't get you the same results, right? Your old playbooks aren't working. Maybe you feel like, you know, I'm putting forth more effort. You might be hiring and building out your team, but you're just not seeing that same level of growth. ⁓ And then also decisions carry a lot more weight. Everything just feels more high stakes. So that to me says, okay, I'm not just in a busyness season. I'm actually at a place where I'm moving into a new phase of my business. Leslie Youngblood (04:34) you Mm-hmm ⁓ Shanea Dangerfield (05:00) and I need to take a step back and re-look at my business and also recognize that I need new tools or systems, processes to continue to grow my business. Leslie Youngblood (05:04) Yeah. Yes, and why do those moments often show up right after things start going well? Shanea Dangerfield (05:19) Well, a lot of it is, you know, leaders, they start to notice and founders that they're spending less time, you know, executing and more time deciding, right? Because as your business grows, the complexity grows and there are a lot more complex decisions. And as I mentioned, higher stakes decisions. So that's typically why you feel that way, right? It's this visceral reaction of, my gosh, everything feels so important. Everything feels so Leslie Youngblood (05:30) Mmm, yeah. Yes. keep up. Shanea Dangerfield (05:49) heavy, like, I'm now not just executing, I'm now having to have judgment and make the right decisions. And I use air quotes with right because it's just trade-offs, right? Leslie Youngblood (05:59) Yes, right, right. And so many founders freeze because they want that right decision. But why is that the wrong goal, Shania? Why are they focusing on the wrong thing? Shanea Dangerfield (06:10) Well, mean, first and foremost, you will never ever know for 100 % certainty. I mean, if you did, please let me know. I want to see in your Christian ball. And so I think it's, you know, I always say it's more around having clarity and direction and knowing that you used the information that you had to make the best decisions that would help to move your business forward. Leslie Youngblood (06:17) Right, same, same. Hmm. Yes, I love that. Shanea Dangerfield (06:40) And so that is more important than being certain. And that gives you confidence, right? Is knowing I've gone through all the steps, I've thought through this, and this is the best decision for my company right now versus I have to get this right. And this is where we get into analysis paralysis, right? That's the other thing. People get tripped up all the time because we think more inputs will give us better, you know, a... Leslie Youngblood (06:46) right. Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (07:07) clearer answer. And I always say, like, there's diminishing returns. And really it's around the process and considerations of where do you want to go, right? Having clarity on that. Where's the direction? What's your North Star? What process or framework? You what are those steps? And it doesn't have to be complex. It's like, what are the steps that I'm going through to make sure that I've taken all the right inputs in and that I am having clarity around what decisions need to be made? Leslie Youngblood (07:08) Mmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (07:37) and why I'm making that decision. Leslie Youngblood (07:39) Yeah, definitely. I know you've talked, one of the things you talk with founders is you have these 90 day tests. You you stress these 90 day tests. Tell us a little bit about how founders can reframe decisions as those 90 day tests instead of permanent life altering choices. Shanea Dangerfield (07:57) Yes, ⁓ I always say it's about many experiments. And we kind of touched on this as most things are reversible, right? But we feel so much pressure. And I will say when you are a founder and you have so many decisions that need to be made and everything feels so much heavier ⁓ because you are growing and success, you want to stay successful. So, you know, it's about looking at it in small chunks and those 90 days, it gives you ⁓ kind of a frame to put that in to say, I'm just doing this for 90 days. If it doesn't work, we can change course and I'm using it as data. That's what we always say. They always say, right, you have to sometimes take action to know if something's truly working. And so look at it as this is an experiment. I'm going to get either way, I'm going to get good information that's going to help inform me of what the next steps that I need to take. Leslie Youngblood (08:40) Yeah. right. Mm-hmm. Yes, I think that's so great. What's the cost of waiting too long to decide? What have you seen? What? Shanea Dangerfield (09:05) Yeah, mean, think, yeah, is indecision. I would say there's two costs. One, if you don't have clear direction and especially if you have a team, it breeds uncertainty, right? People want to be able to know, to look to you or even if you are like a solo founder, you may have. Leslie Youngblood (09:20) Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (09:27) clients, you may have partners that you work with, they're looking to you and if you're uncertain and dragging on certain decisions, it just breeds uncertainty. And even for you, you're not going to feel good about decisions you are making because you're not making any. Leslie Youngblood (09:36) Yeah. Yeah. my gosh, that's so true. Even I think that is such a mindset shift from going from working for somebody else in the corporate world to being a business owner. I found that you know, so creative marketing and all the things and you would maybe present your best two ideas or two different options and you'd wait for somebody else to decide. But then when you're the business owner, it's like you can't dilly dally wondering, I do this or should I do that? It's like you have to make the choice and you just have to figure it out and sure, test both or just pick one and then figure it out. If it's not working, go back to the other thing later. And so I, you know, it's kind of like that mentality of what got you there, what got you here won't get you. there. And so why do think that's something that's so hard for founders to accept Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (10:30) there's so many reasons behind it, but I think there's a lot of things, as I mentioned, just how much more high stakes things are feeling. I also feel there is this shift in identity, right? In the role that we're playing from being kind of this executor in doing to really, you your main goal is to set, as I said, set the direction. ⁓ Leslie Youngblood (10:44) Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (10:54) figure out what are those steps that I need to take and why are we taking it? What is that purpose around it? ⁓ And it can be hard. And the other thing is giving ourselves grace because you're going to straddle the fence. Like I think out the gate, you come out saying like, gosh, I should be able to do this more easily because it's not that hard. And the truth of the matter is, that anything that we start to do, especially when we're stepping into a new role, you're going to straddle. You're going to kind of go two steps forward, you know, once Leslie Youngblood (11:12) night. Shanea Dangerfield (11:24) step back, three steps forward. So I think just being mindful of it and the more that you are intentional in practicing that. And also I think that's a great reason to have an advisor, kind of that thought partner to come in and bring that perspective and to kind of help you navigate those complex decisions that come up as your business starts to grow. Leslie Youngblood (11:45) Yes, that is something I think I'm sure you've seen it through a lot of founders is that rule changes and you're not doing everything. And so how do you adjust to that? How does the healthy delegation, what does that look like when you're used to being the one in control? Shanea Dangerfield (12:05) Yeah, this is where, again, it's easier said than done. And often we hire great people who are truly capable. But what it means to delegate is not just handing out tasks. It's really being clear on what are the outcomes, right? What do we want to accomplish? Leslie Youngblood (12:09) sure. Shanea Dangerfield (12:24) And here's something else is who ultimately owns the decisions. And this is something that sometimes is not clear when individuals are delegating. So then they say, well, I delegate everything, but then the ultimate decision maker is still me. So escalations, decisions, everything's being run by you and you become a bottleneck. ⁓ Leslie Youngblood (12:28) Mmm. in the house. Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (12:45) Really? Yes. And that's why people are my gosh, I'm the bottleneck. I'm like, well, okay, let's take a step back. Like, what are we trying to accomplish? You have capable people who can do this that you've hired and who's ultimately owning the decisions. And at what point is it clear when you need to be involved and when you don't? Leslie Youngblood (13:03) Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (13:03) And that's when the judgment comes in, right? Because as a founder and a leader, you need to say, hey, I actually, my value add is not in making this decision. There's probably someone who's more capable of making that decision or saying, you know, it's not going to look how I would do it and being okay with that. And I think that's the other thing. So delegating, letting it go and recognizing that people are going to approach it in a different way. Leslie Youngblood (13:05) and move. Shanea Dangerfield (13:32) way than you. And also it's it's being okay with that and not stepping back in. Right. And if someone is learning it's only going to be 80 percent you know at the level because they're still learning and that's okay. Business isn't going to fall down because it's 80 percent 80 percent is still pretty good. Leslie Youngblood (13:39) Yeah. Yeah. Yes. my goodness. Do you think women struggle with that more than men, that decisiveness and perfectionism and not being able to remove themselves as a bottleneck, Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (14:04) I would say, I see it more with women because we're under so much more scrutiny. We know, and that's why I think often decisions, I don't want to, again, we were saying wrong, but right, but decisions that women make are held up to a higher standard. So people are constantly. you know, poking holes or having comments about it. And I think that is something that we as women going in feel that right. And so decisions feel more weighted. I think there is also an aspect of perfectionism. And this is across genders, but I think women in particular, I mean, I think you've heard the resume stories like the qualifications and then you're like, I need 100 % to apply, you know, and that's not the case with males. They'll have like, I don't remember the percentage, like Leslie Youngblood (14:35) Good. Yeah. Yeah, right, no. Shanea Dangerfield (14:55) 30 % they're like, oh, I'm perfect for this job. Right? So it's across the board. So I do think, you know, there is that something that women struggle with, but also just because, you know, we're more scrutinized. And so I think there's a reason why you kind of feel like, oh, my goodness, I can't make this decision. What if I'm wrong? What if it's not the right decision? And this gets back to what we said of having that confidence that you've made the best Leslie Youngblood (14:57) Right? Totally. in. Right. Shanea Dangerfield (15:25) because you understand why you're making it and what needs to be done in order to do that. Leslie Youngblood (15:34) Right, like tuning out the loud things to really focus on your mission, where you're looking to go. You know, the resume story reminds me of another... I guess fact, but don't have the specific numbers. when women fail, when women business owners or founders fail or maybe I can't remember if it's in general, like when they fail or just we take it personally. Like I failed this business field because I think I I'm bad. And when a male business owner or leader fails, it's like, the market wasn't right. Or I was too early and they externalize. And women are more likely to internalize. And I think that comes back to what you're saying is because we feel like there is so Shanea Dangerfield (15:50) Hmm. to normalize. Leslie Youngblood (16:17) much more at stake and you know we we can't fail and you know there's so much more riding on our shoulders in order to succeed where it's like it's just a completely different story for men. Shanea Dangerfield (16:29) 100%. And I love that the internalized, I read that somewhere too. And I remember I'm like, yep, it's like all the things that we did wrong and we're just so much more criticizing ourselves. And the male counterpart is like, the market was bad. It wasn't me. They had nothing to do with me. So yeah, I do definitely think that plays a piece in it. And also I think this gets to the thing of mindset. Leslie Youngblood (16:34) Yeah. You hear? Shanea Dangerfield (16:55) ⁓ And you know, there is a lot of work to be done around what story are we telling ourselves? And I'm a big believer. I mean, know me, I am all about mindset and I practice meditation that may or may not be your thing. But, you know, our self talk is so important to how we show up. And so I know we didn't touch on this, but I do think it's important. Leslie Youngblood (17:03) Hmm. Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (17:22) to recognize when and know, even just, you don't have to draw, but even just jotting down what stories are we telling ourselves, right? And how can we change that story? Leslie Youngblood (17:31) Right? Yes, yes, there's so much and I love reading about mindset and I think it's so important. I haven't gotten to the point where I meditate, but I know it's something that needs to be done or that people always recommend. But that self-talk too, where it's how do you, you know, it's not like. you're going to be the most positive person ever in the face of the world. It's like, no, you have to get better at recognizing those intrusive thoughts when they pop in and be like, no, I can handle this. I know what I'm doing. Right. And it's like, because again, I think many women are like, I have to do this and my mindset's got to be great. And I still can't, you know, get over this money trauma or I'm the bottleneck. And it's just those small steps, right. That it doesn't have to be so Shanea Dangerfield (18:06) us. Right. Leslie Youngblood (18:22) All or nothing, I guess, right? Shanea Dangerfield (18:25) Yeah, I love it. And it is so true. think it's not saying that you never have negative thoughts. It's having the awareness to say, my goodness, I'm having this narrative in my head and this is impacting how I'm showing up. And that alone helps you so much. And you're right, you don't have to be positive all the time or say like, I have to get this perfect because that's not what it's about. It's more noticing. Leslie Youngblood (18:42) Yeah. Yes! Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (18:53) when you are having maybe that negative self-talk or that doubt that comes into our head, which is all normal. Leslie Youngblood (19:01) Right. Yeah, the human experience as a founder exacerbated. Shania, how do you coach leaders to zoom out when they are so stuck in the weeds? Shanea Dangerfield (19:04) Thank you. Yeah, so you know, I think, you know, the first thing is really around having that I keep going back to like having that clarity, but understanding like your why, right? It's like, what are we trying to solve? I always do. What are we trying to solve here? Because that allows you to kind of get out of the weeds of, you know, the day to day. And often I find that you have to kind of address Leslie Youngblood (19:31) Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (19:45) the symptom, I think it's reverse, you know. Leslie Youngblood (19:50) yeah, I know what you're trying to say. It's like, ⁓ not the sickness, the root cause. Shanea Dangerfield (19:55) The root cause, the root cause is probably better way to say it. I'm like, why does that work? Yeah, so it's really around the root cause and often the symptoms that are showing up are just that. And so how do you kind of, you have to first kind of take that bird's eye view and really say, okay, what's going on here? ⁓ And start with, I always say start with your life. What are we solving? What are we trying to accomplish? Leslie Youngblood (20:21) Hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (20:23) and that is the first step. And then understanding, okay, looking at those key priorities, what are the things that we need to do to get us here, to move the needle? And what decisions need to be made? And what decisions can only you make? Leslie Youngblood (20:46) Hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Why is it like nearly impossible to do that level of thinking alone? Shania? It sounds so great. I'm like, yes, that is easy. I can do that, right? But you would never just, or if you are, you're very progressive and you probably, right, like are on a different level. But why is that so hard to do ourselves? Shanea Dangerfield (20:55) Well, I mean, everyone's in. Yeah, well, you it's hard when you are in your own head and living in your own experience. And it's hard to get perspective. Right. I mean, I feel like everyone has, you know, an advisor or a coach or a peer or someone that they go to, even the greats. And. Leslie Youngblood (21:30) Totally. Serena. I'm like, Serena never got to be the GOAT without a coach. Tom Brady. All these GOATs. It's like coaches. Shanea Dangerfield (21:36) Yeah, I'm like, yes, they have a team. I'm always joking. They have a team on the ground, right? Someone who's helping them with every single aspect of how they show up. And so I think that's the first thing that's important to realize. Leslie Youngblood (21:43) Yeah. Hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (21:51) ⁓ is everyone needs a team on the ground. And having an advisor, it's really having that thought partner to kind of help bring that perspective and help you have more of that clarity into what it is that you want to accomplish to help you grow your business and help keep that momentum up. And also maybe, Leslie Youngblood (21:55) Yeah. ⁓ Shanea Dangerfield (22:18) bring to light things that aren't so obvious. I can't tell you how many times I've engaged with a founder and they tell me they have problem X and then you start to kind of talk through and it's actually like, well, actually that's not really the problem. Leslie Youngblood (22:21) Right, sure. Shanea Dangerfield (22:34) and so having someone to help bring that clarity and I will share an example. Like I worked with a founder, kind of strong team, growing revenue, but felt like every decision came back to her. Right. Hiring priorities, everything. And she just felt like she wasn't in control. And a lot of it, her being involved was like, I just got to keep things moving. Right. That was her perception. Leslie Youngblood (22:34) word. Hmm. charter. Mmm. Shanea Dangerfield (23:02) But with bringing me in and bringing in that clarity, we realized that the real work was really around her deciding what needed to be off of her plate, where the company needed to be focused on. And using her judgment, that's where her value add was. It wasn't in the... Yes, yeah. Leslie Youngblood (23:16) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Right. Right? Shanea Dangerfield (23:30) So it's like setting the trajectory of the company, having clarity around what do we need to do, that's strategy aspect. And then the last, of course, we didn't touch as much, but it's on the culture. The DNA of what are your values and mission that you as a company hold, that you as a founder hold, and that you want to emulate and show the rest of your team. Leslie Youngblood (23:43) Cool. Yeah, I think culture is something that a lot of people might just consider a buzzword. you have to have a culture. What's the culture? But when you create, actively create a culture, it is something that is so profound and integral to the DNA of an organization. I would love to hear your perspective on how to cultivate and create real, beady. company culture and not just something that's, we like to have a good time and more culture and bring your open ideas, right? Because it's drastically different, drastically different. Shanea Dangerfield (24:26) and Yeah, and this is probably a whole other podcast in itself. But, I would say first and foremost, as a leader and a founder, you have to embody that culture. And, you know, I hear this a lot, like you give the example of like, we this is our in our culture is like, I hate to say work life balance, but let's just say, hey, we like to have balance, we're like balance. And then, you know, you talk to the team, there's like, my gosh, you know, the founder hasn't taken a day off in three years, and we're scared to take a day off. even though we have unlimited vacation, like what does that even mean? So I think first and foremost is this is kind of where that self-reflection and realizing what are your core values and what are the core values of the company and are you demonstrating that as a leader? Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (25:00) I'm I'm fine. Yeah, I feel like saying that your organization has work-life balance is the business way of saying, I'm a nice guy. Because if you have to say you're a nice guy, you're not, right? Like you're trying to make up for something. And so you say, I have, we have great work-life balance here. We're a family. It's like red flag, red flag. And so don't be the red flag. Actually do it. You're so spot on because I know anybody listening right now has had Shanea Dangerfield (25:30) you Yes, yes. Leslie Youngblood (25:47) a boss or been in a culture where they say, oh, here's your PTO and we're generous with our PTO. And then you're like, oh, God, I am. Is this going to get approved? I'm so worried. Are we am I allowed to do this? Am I going to get called or emailed or text the whole time that I'm on vacation? Because it is more common than we realize. And so the you know, that really starts at the top, like you said. And so that just that alone with culture is a game changer for your culture. You're growing. Shanea Dangerfield (26:00) Yeah. It starts at the top. It starts at the top. Yes. And then I think the other thing is, you you hear a lot too, we're such an inclusive, collaborative culture. And then, you you start talking to the team. like, no, no, we're not. ⁓ And so, you know, I think culture, it is kind of the core values. And I also think there is a piece of the people that you hire help to make and shape that culture as well. So I think it starts at the top, you know, as a founder, you're leading and setting that, but also it kind of evolves a little bit as you bring on new Leslie Youngblood (26:37) Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (26:45) people with different experiences, different perspectives and having them involved in what are our norms, right? How are we demonstrating and holding this value as a company and what does that look like? And checking in with your team to see do they feel that maybe there's it needs to evolve and change. So that's the other side of it. Leslie Youngblood (26:51) Mmm. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Why do founders wait so long or too long really to get that advisory support that they need and what does that cost them, Shanae? Shanea Dangerfield (27:16) Yeah, well, I think people sometimes wait for things to break down. Right. It's like, well, nothing's broken yet. ⁓ And one of the things people don't realize is things compound over time. Right. And it's really about. Leslie Youngblood (27:20) Mm-hmm. Thank Shanea Dangerfield (27:32) Like we mentioned, as you get to that point of inflection or kind of that next phase of growth in your business, recognizing that you are going to need to change how you are leading, how you are operating your business and to bring in someone sooner before things get out of hand is how I always look at it. It's like the cost. is the cost? ⁓ Flowing growth, retention issues, because you're probably going to have issues with your team. ⁓ And ultimately, Leslie Youngblood (27:49) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Shanea Dangerfield (28:02) Less profitability. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (28:04) Right. that breath that says that you could say that to anybody. You don't want to be there. No, I don't want to do that. And yet I guarantee you they will probably just do that because we, you know, especially you just have those blinders on like just keep swimming, just keep swimming. And then we don't realize that not stopping and taking that time and putting that effort and planning and advisory strategy into what you're doing. You may hire a person that's not a great fit that can blow up your entire Shanea Dangerfield (28:33) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (28:34) culture or you know sets your your company back you know for x y and z reasons or you can get super sick right i think we all realize you know that it can be very we overwork ourselves and burn the candle at both ends you are going to get sick you are going to burn out and so we push those things off thinking that we're doing ourselves and our business a favor when really you are just continuously shooting yourself in the foot Shanea Dangerfield (29:01) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (29:02) Right. Yeah. Right. And I think, you know, for a lot of founders, we're seeing the age of starting a business. age up or there's retirees who are starting businesses more these days, right, as they should, because people are retiring and you're young, you're young, young adults, you're young people really, or you have more to give or you have the time to really put into a passion project. And so, you know, whether you're just starting off or whether you're older, like you're going to go through these experiences. And I know that you've had the experience of being, you know, at a Fortune 500 organization and then starting your own thing. And there's just so many constructs. that you have to unpack for yourself and that you're learning ⁓ when you are embarking on your own journey. so, you know, realizing that that big company didn't get to be where they are without some advisory help or bringing in an A team. ⁓ And so we don't realize those barriers or those like invisible barriers that we don't even realize going forward in the business. And it's just totally normal and super important to recognize. I love that. If, you know, we talked about mountains and the right strategic partner can help you look at those mountains and turn them into anthills. Tell us about your process for really assessing that, Shania. Shanea Dangerfield (30:18) And Leslie Youngblood (30:18) and Shanea Dangerfield (30:18) What Leslie Youngblood (30:18) Mm. Yeah, it's again, it sounds so easy and yet it's not. Are you still there? Can I hear you? Okay, sorry. Your video went away. Just FYI, your video went away, but that's okay. We can still talk to each other and we have plenty of video to use for clips moving forward. So if you're okay with continuing this way, I'm good with continuing this way too, Shania. Shanea Dangerfield (30:26) Yes. Yes, I'm still here. It cut out a little bit. Leslie Youngblood (30:40) Perfect. Okay, great. Mm-hmm. Yeah, I feel like I know the answer to this, but if a listener feels overwhelmed right now, what's one question they should ask themselves today, Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (30:51) Why? because that It's Leslie Youngblood (30:50) The why. Why, what am I solving? Mmm. Hmm. Right. And like you said, just asking yourself that that's not a comfortable question to ask yourself. I feel like, right. It's really forcing you to go inside again, not the external pieces, but the internal pieces. Why? What is this for? Why is this important? What is the impact you're hoping to make? And, you know, I've seen so many ⁓ influencers. I'm sure you have too. where, you can make six figures writing emails and I'll show you how, or making faceless YouTube channels. I feel like it's, gosh, almost like the snake oil salesman of technology. And so they have so many people like, I can do this, I'll figure this out. And then you realize that, yes, in order to make seven figures as an email writer, there's gonna be a lot more involved than just you sitting there and writing emails. Right. And now even with the onset of AI and at the end of the day, why are you doing that? What is the purpose? Like, what is the good that like what is in you that wants to do that? And I think that's when you get burned out and you realize, I don't want to do this anymore because you just did it for like the buck. But you just there was nothing of substance backing it up. Shanea Dangerfield (31:51) you And just sit with it. Just sit with it. And Leslie Youngblood (32:12) Yeah. Yes. Mmm. Mmm. Yes. realness, the real deal that's behind it. 100 million percent. If what would you tell a founder who feels behind but truly is right on time, Shania? Shanea Dangerfield (32:18) Mm-hmm. right? We're Leslie Youngblood (32:28) Mmm. Yes. Again, it's not an easy thing to reconcile with, right? Especially with the comparison in Thief of Joy and whether you're 20 and there's a 20 year old, I saw a group of 20 year old, not 20 year olds, excuse me, high school kids at a program kickoff for this water innovation program. And I was like, wow. high school and they have an idea for a water innovation. You know I was doing in high school? Certainly not thinking about how to solve for water problems and certainly not thinking about my future. was thinking about where the party is at that weekend and getting out of my house so I could go to college and have a good time. But it's like that's their journey. then like I remind myself that was what you had to do, that you were on your path, you were on your own journey. That's their journey. And to remember that in every single journey matters. Shanea Dangerfield (33:02) You Leslie Youngblood (33:18) Right. And it has the meaning behind it. And you can't think about that because it will literally make you crazy and make you depressed for no reason. There's you're just spinning. Right. And the gifts that you have and the path that you're on to share those gifts, cultivate those gifts, make your impact through your business, through your work is exactly what's supposed to happen. So it's it's such a simple thought. But again, there's been philosophers. Shanea Dangerfield (33:19) Yes. Leslie Youngblood (33:47) and religions and I've been preaching this for years, Shanae. Shanea Dangerfield (33:51) Exactly. And I successful, but Leslie Youngblood (33:52) True. Bye. Right, and that's why, you know, Serious Lady Business was started because we don't, the highlight reels, social media is the highlight reel. The websites and the awards are the highlight reels, but behind those things, there is so much unglamorous work. And so, you know, what is maybe something that's not on your highlight reel, Shania, that you're proud of? or that you wish people knew or story that demonstrates. This isn't on my highlight reel, but this was integral to me becoming the woman I am, to building the business that I have. I would be so curious to know. Shanea Dangerfield (34:29) Yeah. now. and have gratitude around that. Leslie Youngblood (34:31) Let's do it. Mmm. Mmm. Yes. Mmm. Yeah. Shanea Dangerfield (34:38) because it is so small and gradual and So Leslie Youngblood (34:37) Mmm. Mmm. Yes. Yes. Shanea Dangerfield (34:43) and to get better and Leslie Youngblood (34:43) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Sure. Well, and then that, you know, all those little things, big and small got you to where you are today. But the impact that you have on other businesses, right, like that ripples out, you know, through what you're doing. And, you know, that is so important and needed and profound as well. And so just really wonderful, you know, with everything that you're doing. And, you know, like you said, it's all the things good and bad that got you to where you are today. And now you're able to take the all those experiences and harness that in order to help other businesses. So I just think that is so fantastic. Shanea Dangerfield (35:21) along the way. And Leslie Youngblood (35:20) Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's so powerful and such a great way to bring everything back together that we've talked about today, Shania. I would love as we wrap up for you to share where our listeners can find you and connect with you if they're going through, you know, a phase in their business or their professional lives and would like to reach out and connect with you. Please share where they can learn more. and we will also drop those links in the show notes for everybody. Shania, what incredible, thoughtful conversation. I am so grateful to have had you join us today on Serious Lady Business. Thank you, cheers.