In this podcast episode, Brooke talks with Jennifer Kok, a business coach who shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, facing challenges, and embracing change. They explore the concept of Embrace the Messy Middle, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and being present in life's journey. Jennifer narrates her transformative year in 2023, marked by personal milestones that led her to appreciate living in the moment. She also delves into her previous venture of running a cookie and cupcake business for 20 years, which she adapted and grew through innovation during the 2008 recession, eventually leading to her focusing on helping other local businesses grow without heavy marketing investments. Moreover, Jennifer discusses the significance of specializing and making a business referable within the community as a strategy to compete against online retail giants. The episode emphasizes the value of entrepreneurial resilience, strategic innovation, and the importance of community-focused business practices.

00:18 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

01:57 Living in the Moment: Lessons from Life's Milestones

05:10 The Power of Innovation: A Business Pivot Story

14:13 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Corporate to Cupcakes

18:35 Embracing the Franchise Model: A Personal Journey

19:01 The Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

20:27 Navigating Early Challenges and Unexpected Turns

21:42 The Power of Perseverance: Lessons from Entrepreneurship

26:08 Transitioning Out of the Bakery Business

28:21 Mentoring and Supporting Local Businesses

29:42 Differentiating Brick and Mortar in the Digital Age

35:44 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Jennifer’s Info

nextwavebusinesscoaching.com

Find Jen on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferowenskok

Brooke's Info:

Founder of Scale With Clarity, Brooke works as a Fractional CFO and business partner to female entrepreneurs, empowering them to scale their businesses to 7 figures and beyond. Brooke’s approach blends financial acumen with a strong focus on fostering personal well-being, helping clients achieve success without sacrificing their authenticity and joy.

More info at: www.scalewithclarity.com

Instagram: @brookekfinance

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