Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 40: The Truth About Starting a Business with Jim Beach

Leslie sits down with entrepreneur, author, and radio host Jim Beach for an honest conversation about the real journey of building a business. Jim shares how early rejection led him toward entrepreneurship, the highs and lows he faced, and the lessons that shaped his career.

Together, they explore why taking action matters more than waiting for passion, how copying proven ideas can be a strategic advantage, and why many introverts thrive in business. Jim also opens up about the difficult setbacks that most people never talk about and the freedom that keeps him committed to entrepreneurship after decades in the field.

Highlights:

• Why entrepreneurship is a roller coaster

• What most people misunderstand about passion

• Why starting with a proven model works

• The real price and reward of working for yourself

• How introverts can thrive in business

Jim’s Books:

• The Real Environmentalists: https://amzn.to/43XyDgT
• School for Startups: https://amzn.to/4pyabef
• Free Radio and Podcast Marketing in 30 Minutes: https://amzn.to/485LAI2

Stop waiting for the perfect time. Start your business now with the resources you already have. Action creates clarity. Why not today?

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Contact Jim -

www.schoolforstartupsradio.com

jim@schoolforstartups.com

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jamesabeach/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 39: A Few Kind Words Changed Everything with Tracey Gates

Tracey Gates joins me to share the simple but powerful moment that sparked her yearlong journey of writing one handwritten appreciation letter every day. What started as a small act of kindness became a practice that restored her energy, deepened her relationships, and eventually inspired her book The Power of a Few Kind Words. Tracey’s story reminds us that courage often begins quietly and grows through small intentional steps.

Together we talk about vulnerability, purpose, creativity, and the ripple effect of taking time to let people know they matter. You will leave this episode encouraged to pause, listen to your own inner whisper, and take the brave step that has been waiting inside you.

Highlights

• The moment Tracey chose intentional kindness
• How writing letters shifted her health and outlook
• The connection between courage and vulnerability
• What writing her book taught her about listening to those inner nudges
• Why appreciation deepens confidence and connection

Read Tracey’s Book - The Power of a Few Kind Words Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3K7C0Lw

Join the Why Not Today kindness challenge. Write one appreciation letter a day for the month of December. If you are listening at another time, set your own goal and make letter writing a meaningful habit.

And remember, you do not need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one brave step. Why not today?

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Contact Tracey -

www.afewkindwords.net

traceygates84@gmail.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/traceygateslifewellnesscoach

- Instagram – www.instagram.com/afewkindwordschallenge/

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/traceywgates/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 37: Leslie on the Why Not Today Journey: From One Courageous Step to Providing a Space for Entrepreneurs through the Inner Circle

In this episode of the Why Not Today Podcast, host and founder Leslie Kane opens up about her journey from taking one courageous step to building a community where entrepreneurs can grow together. What began as a spontaneous idea on a walk around the lake became a podcast that celebrates courage, connection, and the willingness to take action even when you are not sure what comes next.

Leslie shares her story of saying yes to opportunities that changed everything, including launching her Mary Kay business over 30 years ago, starting the Why Not Today Podcast in honor of her father, and building a business that continues to evolve with purpose and heart. Through each chapter, she reminds listeners that clarity comes through action and that courage is built one step at a time.

She also introduces the Why Not Today Inner Circle, a supportive space she created for entrepreneurs to come together weekly for encouragement, accountability, and authentic connection. The Inner Circle is where women in business celebrate wins, share struggles, and find practical tools to keep moving forward. It is proof that when people come together in community, courage multiplies.

This episode is both a reflection and an invitation to take your own next step toward growth and connection. Leslie reminds listeners that courage is contagious, and the best time to start is always today.

What You’ll Hear:

- The original Why Not Today moment that sparked it all

- How one courageous step led to a growing business and community

- The story behind her father’s legacy and the Why Not Today logo

- How the Inner Circle supports entrepreneurs with courage and connection

- Encouragement to take your next brave step today

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that courage doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means starting anyway. Visit www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcast for more inspiring stories and tools to help you take your next bold step.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 36: Fight Fear with Failure: Finding Courage in the Messy Middle with Janet Counts

In this episode of the Why Not Today? podcast, host Leslie Kane sits down with entrepreneur and community advocate Janet Counts for a real conversation about courage, connection, and rebuilding from chaos. Janet shares her personal journey from the IT world to small business ownership, navigating the ups and downs of running a family business, and rediscovering her passion for helping women in trades and local business.

Together, Leslie and Janet talk about what it really takes to show up when things fall apart, the power of community over competition, and why sometimes courage means saying no, pivoting, or starting over.

Highlights:

- Janet’s story of leaving corporate life and diving into entrepreneurship

- How to “fight fear with failure” and use setbacks as stepping stones

- The importance of progress over perfection in business and life

- Why local community matters more than social media followers

- Building authentic relationships instead of transactional networking

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that courage doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means starting anyway. Visit www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcast for more inspiring stories and tools to help you take your next bold step.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Contact Janet -

www.potomacpg.com

- janet@potomacpg.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/janetcaseycounts

- Instagram – www.instagram.com/janetcasey

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/janet-counts-a83857b8/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Building the Life is Good Brand with Roy Heffernan

In this inspiring conversation, Leslie Kane sits down with Roy Heffernan, retired Chief Operating Optimist and partner at Life is Good. Roy shares the story behind one of America’s most beloved lifestyle brands and how a simple mission, to spread the power of optimism, became a movement that impacts millions.

Together, Leslie and Roy explore how optimism, structure, and purpose can transform both business and life. Roy also shares his journey from cable television executive to helping scale Life is Good from a small van-based start-up to a global brand known for spreading joy and meaning.

Highlights:

• The origins of Life is Good and how Bert and John Jacobs turned optimism into a business model

• Why “to spread the power of optimism” is more than a tagline, it’s a cultural foundation

• The importance of balancing creativity and systems for sustainable growth

• How Life is Good pivoted its business model before COVID to stay resilient and relevant

• Roy’s reflections on courage, patience, and using your gifts to make an impact

• His ongoing mentorship work with SCORE and how entrepreneurs can find support

Listen and be reminded that courage and optimism go hand in hand. Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one brave step and ask, Why not today?

Leslie supports women in many ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

Contact Roy -

- Royheffernan@gmail.com

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-heffernan-27a3621/

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 34: The Power of Community with Leslie Kane

In this solo episode, host Leslie Kane dives into one of her favorite topics, community, and why it’s more vital than ever in a world that often feels disconnected. Leslie shares research, personal stories, and practical ways to build real, lasting connections that support your courage and growth.

She explores how community shapes our health, happiness, and success, and reminds listeners that courage doesn’t always come from within—sometimes it’s borrowed from those around us.

Highlights:

• Why community is more than proximity—it’s belonging and being seen

• The impact of the loneliness epidemic and the research behind it

• How connection improves health, resilience, and happiness

• Stories from 9/11, COVID, and personal loss that reveal the power of showing up for one another

• How to create and nurture community through consistency, curiosity, generosity, and follow-up

• Why “community isn’t something we find—it’s something we build together”

If this episode inspired you, take one small step toward connection today. Send a message to someone you’ve been thinking about, join the Why Not Today Connects Luncheon, or explore the Inner Circle community. Visit whynottodaymovement.com to learn more.

Remember, courage is contagious and when we live in community, that courage multiplies. Why not today?

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!

Why Not Today? Podcast - Season 4, Episode 33: Betting on Yourself and Building with Courage with Michael Rivero

In this episode of the Why Not Today? podcast, host Leslie Kane talks with Michael Rivero, a purpose-driven marketer, entrepreneur, and founder of TPOS.ai. Michael shares how his journey from sneaker collector to successful business owner taught him to take bold steps, trust himself, and keep moving forward even when things get messy.

This inspiring conversation explores what it looks like to truly bet on yourself, navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and stay grounded in faith, family, and purpose while growing a business that aligns with your values.

Highlights:

- How Michael’s sneaker hobby turned into his first business

- The moment he decided to quit his corporate job and start his own company

- Lessons learned from growth, burnout, and rebuilding stronger

- Why saying no can create space for the right opportunities

- His honest take on what marketing really is and how to simplify it

Take 10 minutes this week to reflect on one area of your life or business where you’ve been waiting for the “right time.” Write down one small action you can take today to move forward — and then do it.

Leslie supports women in three ways. Join the Why Not Today Inner Circle for weekly group coaching and accountability. And if you want personal support, Courage Coaching gives you one-on-one guidance to help you take bold steps toward your goals.

You are just one brave step away from changing everything.

Have a story of courage? Apply to be a guest at www.whynottodaymovement.com/podcasts. Ready to grow with courage and connection? Listen now and then share this episode with a friend who needs it!

Contact Michael - www.TPOS.AI

- michael@topshotpromarketing.com

- Facebook - www.Facebook.com/topshotdc

- Instagram – www.Instagram.com/topshotdc

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelriverotopshotpro

Explore the Why Not Today? Movement: www.whynottodaymovement.com

Connect with Leslie at leslie@whynottodaymovement.com

- Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/courageouswomenentrepreneurs

- Instagram - www.instagram.com/whynottodaymovement

- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-kane-3825222

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@whynottodaymovement

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to take their own Why Not Today? moment!