Level Up with Lydia | Podcast on RSS.com

Level Up with Lydia feat. Rick Manuel

SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, Lydia interviews Rick, owner of Optimal Balance Pharmacy. They discuss Rick's journey from personal trainer to pharmacy owner, the rapid growth of his business, and the challenges that come with scaling. Rick shares insights on building a positive company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the importance of automation. He also emphasizes the need for business owners to adapt, prioritize, and invest in their companies for long-term success. TAKEAWAYS Rapid growth can lead to challenges in service quality. Building a positive company culture is essential for retention. How to make trade shows a valuable investment for exposure. Automation is key to managing growth and efficiency. Navigating revenue challenges requires quick adaptation. Balancing business and personal life is a common struggle for entrepreneurs. Hiring the right people is crucial for business success. KEYWORDS pharmacy, business growth, company culture, marketing strategies, trade shows, automation, hiring, personal life balance, entrepreneurship

S1 · E6

Feb 25, 2026

31:41

Level Up with Lydia feat. Caryn Craig

Explicit

SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, Caryn Craig shares her inspiring journey from ballet dancer to successful entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences in the restaurant industry, the challenges of balancing marriage and business, and her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs. Karen emphasizes the importance of customer experience, the lessons learned from her time at Disney, and the significance of starting a business with a clear problem to solve. She also touches on her journey of writing a book and offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners. TAKEAWAYS The importance of partnership agreements in business relationships. How to overcome burnout. Customer service should be a top priority for success. She emphasizes the need for community support in business. Starting a business requires identifying a problem and finding a solution. business, entrepreneurship, women in business, restaurant industry, customer service, empowerment, real estate, food truck, personal journey, advice

S1 · E5

Feb 25, 2026

28:14

Level Up with Lydia feat. Trina Rothman

SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, CPA Doug Parker shares insights on tax strategies for business owners, the importance of understanding the differences between CPAs and tax preparers, and the value of building a strong support network. He emphasizes the need for strategic tax planning tailored to individual business goals and the importance of consulting with a CPA early in the business journey. Doug also discusses the significance of diverse perspectives in decision-making and the necessity of investing in professional services to foster business growth. TAKEAWAYS Taxes can be boring, but they are crucial for business owners. Building relationships is key to business success. Starting a firm comes with unexpected challenges, especially in infrastructure. Many tax preparers lack the necessary qualifications and experience. CPAs provide strategic advice beyond just tax preparation. Consult with a CPA as early as possible when starting a business. Surround yourself with mentors and industry peers for guidance. Diverse perspectives can enhance decision-making in business. Investing in professional services can yield long-term benefits. Don't hesitate to hire help to scale your business effectively. tax strategies, CPA, tax preparation, business growth, financial advice, tax planning, consulting, professional services, networking, entrepreneurship

S1 · E4

Feb 25, 2026

32:03

Level Up with Lydia feat. Doug Parker, CPA

SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, CPA Doug Parker shares insights on tax strategies for business owners, the importance of understanding the differences between CPAs and tax preparers, and the value of building a strong support network. He emphasizes the need for strategic tax planning tailored to individual business goals and the importance of consulting with a CPA early in the business journey. Doug also discusses the significance of diverse perspectives in decision-making and the necessity of investing in professional services to foster business growth. TAKEAWAYS Taxes can be boring, but they are crucial for business owners. Building relationships is key to business success. Starting a firm comes with unexpected challenges, especially in infrastructure. Many tax preparers lack the necessary qualifications and experience. CPAs provide strategic advice beyond just tax preparation. Consult with a CPA as early as possible when starting a business. Surround yourself with mentors and industry peers for guidance. Diverse perspectives can enhance decision-making in business. Investing in professional services can yield long-term benefits. Don't hesitate to hire help to scale your business effectively. tax strategies, CPA, tax preparation, business growth, financial advice, tax planning, consulting, professional services, networking, entrepreneurship

S1 · E3

Feb 25, 2026

31:32

Level Up with Lydia feat. Tim Raffield

SUMMARY In this episode of "Level Up with Lydia," host Lydia Navo sits down with entrepreneur Tim Raffield to explore his journey from the medical industry to becoming a successful business owner. Tim shares insights on the importance of relationships, mindset, and tenacity in business, as well as his experiences in the HVAC industry and his role on the board of Smart Financial. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the significance of financial literacy, and the value of investing in people and relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Invest in relationships for long-term success. Mindset shift from investing in things to people is crucial. Tenacity is key to overcoming business challenges. Financial literacy is essential for business growth. Large companies leave gaps that small businesses can fill.- Building a strong company culture is vital. Delegate tasks to avoid burnout. Networking and genuine interest in people pay off. Mergers and acquisitions can drive transformative growth. Be humble and learn from setbacks.

S1 · E2

Feb 25, 2026

34:35

Level Up with Lydia feat. Derek Palmer

Explicit

SUMMARY In the inaugural episode of 'Level Up with Lydia', hosts Lydia Navo and Derek Palmer share their personal journeys into business coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and overcoming fear. They discuss the significance of having a coach, the ideal clients for coaching, and the goals of their podcast, which aims to help business owners recognize their challenges and seek help. The conversation is filled with insights on building a successful business and the realities of entrepreneurship. TAKEAWAYS - We all have faults and flaws in our journeys. - Reaching out to your network can lead to opportunities. - Stop caring what others think to succeed as an entrepreneur. - Your education doesn't define your ability to succeed. - Persistence is key in overcoming challenges. - Coaching is essential for accountability and growth. - Not everyone will be your client, and that's okay. - Building a business means creating systems that work without you. - Your business should be an asset, not a liability. - It's important to be authentic and real in business coaching. business coaching, entrepreneurship, vulnerability, authenticity, client success, coaching journey, overcoming fear, ideal clients, business growth, podcast goals

S1 · E1

Feb 25, 2026

30:51

Level Up with Lydia feat. Kurt Podeszwa

Most non-profits treat fundraising as an afterthought. Kurt Podeszwa, President of Camp Aranzazu, reveals how strategic relationship-building and rethinking business as usual transformed their approach—and doubled their impact. Discover how investing in people, creating controlled growth, and telling compelling stories can unlock sustainable funding for a cause you believe in. In this inspiring episode, Kurt shares the secret behind Camp Aranzazu’s success: a focus on partnership instead of traditional registration, enabling the organization to serve a broad spectrum of campers with disabilities, veterans, and chronic illnesses. He explains how strategic alliances with nonprofits allow Camp Aranzazu to tailor services without overextending their resources, and how deliberate service differentiation ensures quality isn’t sacrificed in growth. You'll discover: The power of relationship-driven fundraising—beyond just asking for donations How to align your mission with targeted, manageable expansion Why investing in your team and volunteers yields exponential benefits Practical tips for storytelling that attract donors and build community The importance of focusing on your organization’s niche instead of trying to do everything Why does this matter? Because organizations that master relationship cultivation and strategic reinvestment build resilience and create lasting change. Whether you're running a nonprofit or a small business, the principles Kurt shares will help you turn good intentions into thriving enterprises that truly serve their people—and grow sustainably. Perfect for nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and mission-driven business owners—if you're tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of begging for funds and want to create a self-sustaining impact machine, this episode is your blueprint. Get ready to shift your perspective and start building relationships that last—because the future of your organization depends on it.

Mar 30, 2026

41:07