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Category: Business

  • Ep448: Stop Playing Small With Money: How Janine Mix Turned $120K Debt Into a Mission to Empower Women of Faith

    Ep448: Stop Playing Small With Money: How Janine Mix Turned $120K Debt Into a Mission to Empower Women of Faith

    When Janine Mix found herself sleeping in her car, $120,000 in debt, and praying for a miracle, she didn’t realize the greatest shift she would ever make wasn’t about numbers — it was about belief.

    Today, she’s a Christian entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author of Buy The Damn Coffee — a bold invitation for women of faith to stop letting guilt and scarcity run their lives. Through her podcast Permission to Prosper and her teachings, Janine helps women turn financial shame into spiritual strength — and reclaim the abundance that was always meant for them.

     

    When the “Cut Coffee, Save Money” Advice Fails

    “I followed every rule,” Janine told Unconventional Life host Jules Schroeder. “I budgeted, I cut expenses, I did everything right — and I was still broke.”

    That moment of realization — sitting in her car, exhausted from doing “everything right” — became the turning point. She saw how the traditional financial advice aimed at women often keeps them small.

    “You can’t shame yourself into prosperity,” Janine said.

    Instead of focusing on deprivation, she began asking: What if wealth wasn’t about restriction, but expansion?
    That single question led her to rebuild her mindset, her business, and eventually, her entire life.

     

    Faith as the Foundation, Not the Limitation

    Janine grew up believing that “good Christians” should be humble, frugal, and content with less. But as she began healing her relationship with money, her faith deepened — not weakened.

    “God doesn’t want us broke — He wants us equipped,” she explained.

    She reframed wealth as a form of stewardship: the more resources she had, the greater her capacity to serve. Jules resonated deeply with that message — that prosperity is not about greed, but about alignment and purpose.

    This faith-driven philosophy became the backbone of Janine’s work. Her mission: to empower women of faith to stop apologizing for wanting more and start building lives that reflect their full potential.

     

    The Hidden Money Influencers

    During the interview, Janine broke down what she calls The Three Money Influencers — the unseen forces that quietly dictate financial behavior:

    1. Family conditioning: What we learned about money growing up.

    2. Faith or cultural narratives: The stories that equate wealth with vanity.

    3. Personal identity: The internal story about what we deserve.

    “You can’t heal what you hide,” Janine told Jules. “If you don’t face your beliefs about money, they’ll keep running the show.”

    It’s not spreadsheets that keep people stuck — it’s the stories they believe about themselves.

     

    Why Budgets Don’t Work (and What Does)

    When Jules asked why so many people feel defeated by budgeting, Janine didn’t hold back:

    “A budget built on fear keeps you small. A spending plan built on purpose expands you.”

    She teaches women to stop obsessing over cutting costs and instead focus on growing income, investing in themselves, and aligning spending with their values.

    Her approach is less about “how much” and more about “why.”
    It’s a mindset shift — from restriction to responsibility, from fear to freedom.

     

    From Survival to Stewardship

    Once Janine paid off her debt and became financially free at age 33, she could’ve stopped there. But true to her nature, she turned her victory into a mission.

    “When women have money, they fund dreams,” she said. “Not just their own — their families, their communities, their churches.”

    Today, through her coaching and content, Janine helps women transition from surviving to leading — from quietly “making do” to confidently multiplying wealth for Kingdom impact.

    Her work is rooted in one conviction: more money in the hands of good women means a better world.

     

    Buy The Damn Coffee

    The title of her bestselling book started as a joke — a response to all the financial advice telling women to “cut out the lattes.” But it soon became a rallying cry.

    “Buy The Damn Coffee isn’t about being careless,” Janine said. “It’s about giving yourself permission to live.”

    In the book, she dismantles shame-based money habits and offers a faith-anchored roadmap to prosperity — one where joy, generosity, and abundance can coexist.

    For anyone who’s ever felt guilty for wanting more, Buy The Damn Coffee is both a wake-up call and a warm embrace.

     

    Give Yourself Permission

    As the episode drew to a close, Jules asked what she hoped listeners would take away from her story.

    Janine’s answer was simple — and powerful:

    “Permission. Permission to prosper before you have proof. Permission to believe you’re worthy of wealth. Permission to stop playing small.”

    Her voice softened as she added,

    “It’s not about chasing money. It’s about becoming the kind of woman who can handle more — more responsibility, more joy, more impact.”

     

    Giveaway

    Janine is giving Unconventional Life listeners an exclusive free chapter preview of her bestselling book, Buy The Damn Coffee — plus access to her Permission to Prosper audio series.

    Claim your copy at BuyTheDamnCoffee.com/bookoptin

     

    Connect with Janine

  • Ep447: The Future of Fitness Is Female: Julie Cartwright’s Mission To Redefine How Women Move

    Ep447: The Future of Fitness Is Female: Julie Cartwright’s Mission To Redefine How Women Move

     

    From VHS Tapes to Streaming Workouts

    Julie’s career in fitness began behind the curtain, helping to produce and distribute programs for some of the biggest names in the industry. She worked with icons like Jillian Michaels, Tracy Anderson, and Billy Blanks, creating content that landed on the shelves of retailers like Target and Walmart.

    “I’m going to date myself,” she laughed, recalling those early days. “We were making programming on VHS, then DVDs, and eventually digital.”

    While the medium kept evolving, one constant remained: Julie’s love for fitness.

    “Every boss I had told me at some point: drop the fitness side,” she said. “But I couldn’t. It was the part of my job I loved most.”

    That choice — to hold on to what energized her — became the seed for her next chapter.

     

    A New Kind of Fitness Brand

    In 2017, Julie partnered with co-founder Rachel Katzman to launch Pvolve, a science-backed method built on functional movement and resistance training.

    The vision was bold: create a system that delivered results without punishing the body. Instead of “go harder” or “push through,” Pvolve asked a different question: what if your workout actually supported your body across every stage of life?

    Today, Pvolve has grown into a global platform with:

    • 1,400+ on-demand workouts

    • 48 live classes per week

    • 4 patented training tools designed to maximize functional strength

    The results go beyond aesthetics. Yes, members see toned abs, strong arms, and lean muscle. But they also experience what Julie calls the “unexpected outcomes”: better balance, posture, and joint longevity.

    “Low impact doesn’t mean low results,” she explained. “It means building strength that’s sustainable for life.”

    Science Meets Soul

    At the heart of Pvolve is a commitment to science. The method was designed in collaboration with medical experts and physical therapists to ensure it supported women’s real needs — from hormone health to joint function.

    But for Julie, the science is only part of the story. Equally important is how members feel. Pvolve’s community emphasizes self-awareness and empowerment rather than competition.

    “It’s about listening to your body,” she told Jules. “Not forcing it. Not fighting it. But asking: what do I need today? That’s where longevity comes from.”

    Disrupting a Male-Dominated Industry

    Julie is quick to point out that Pvolve’s disruption isn’t just happening in the gym. It’s happening in boardrooms and franchise ownership as well.

    In an industry where most fitness franchises are owned and led by men, 90% of Pvolve franchise owners are women. These owners range from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals eager to align their work with their values.

    “We’re not just building stronger bodies,” Julie said. “We’re building stronger opportunities for women in business.”

    That dual mission — fitness and empowerment — has become part of what makes Pvolve stand out.

     

    Lessons From a Career of Evolution

    Julie’s path from VHS tapes to leading a global brand offers lessons for anyone pursuing an unconventional path.

    1. Don’t abandon what you love. Even when advised to “drop fitness,” Julie leaned in — and it became her differentiator.

    2. Adapt with the times. From VHS to streaming, she embraced change without losing sight of her core.

    3. Longevity is the real success metric. Whether in health or business, sustainable growth beats quick wins.

    4. Empowerment multiplies impact. By prioritizing women in ownership, Pvolve has created ripple effects beyond workouts.

    5. Trust your body — and your instincts. Julie’s leadership reflects the same philosophy as her workouts: awareness creates resilience.

     

    Why Longevity Matters Now

    For Julie, longevity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a counterpoint to a culture obsessed with extremes — whether in fitness programs that leave people burned out, or business models that prioritize short-term gains.

    “Your body will carry you through life,” she reminded listeners. “When you take care of it in a way that’s sustainable, you’re investing in more than how you look. You’re investing in how you live.”

    That belief extends to her business philosophy as well. In Pvolve’s steady growth and female-led franchise model, longevity is the north star.

     

    A Movement, Not Just a Workout

    Julie doesn’t describe Pvolve as just another studio or app. To her, it’s a movement — one that challenges outdated definitions of strength, reimagines what success looks like, and opens doors for women in business.

    By anchoring the brand in both science and soul, Julie has positioned Pvolve as a fitness company built not just for this year, but for decades to come.

    And for the women who now own and operate Pvolve studios across the country, it’s proof that the future of fitness — and business — can look very different from the past.

    Giveaway

    This week, Julie is giving a free 1-month membership to the Pvolve platform, including full access to on-demand and live classes.

     

    Connect With Julie:

  • Ep446: From National Geographic to Global Art Educator – Kevin Murphy on Demystifying Talent and Teaching Art Like a Science

    Ep446: From National Geographic to Global Art Educator – Kevin Murphy on Demystifying Talent and Teaching Art Like a Science

    A Pivot From Portraits to Purpose

    In 2001, Kevin transitioned into portraiture. While the work was rewarding, he recognized a deeper need: people craved access to professional-level training without the gatekeeping of traditional art schools.

    So he founded the Art Academy and later Evolve Artist, an online painting program now studied in more than 70 countries. What sets his approach apart? A fundamentals-first method that treats painting not as mysterious “talent,” but as a science anyone can master.

    Why Talent Is a Lie

    Kevin is blunt about one of the biggest myths in art: talent.

    “Talent is a lie,” he shared. “What people call talent is really clarity, fundamentals, and practice.”

    By teaching art like a structured process rather than a guessing game, Kevin unlocks confidence in people who never thought they could paint. His students range from retirees picking up a brush for the first time to engineers and surgeons looking for a creative outlet.

    The results speak volumes: many outperform art school graduates—after just months of training.

     

    The Science of Realism: A Four-Step System

    Unlike the chaos of most art education, Kevin’s program is anchored in structure. Students begin in grayscale, mastering values and light before advancing into color.

    “When you know the rules, you have freedom,” Kevin explains. “Without them, you’re just guessing.”

    The clarity of this approach removes intimidation, giving even beginners measurable progress in weeks, not years.

    From Confusion to Clarity

    Kevin is critical of how art education often overwhelms students with “express yourself” before teaching them how. For him, it’s not about stifling creativity but building the foundation so creativity can actually flourish.

    “You can’t express yourself if you don’t yet have the tools,” he said. “Clarity builds confidence, and confidence unlocks creativity.”

    The Heart Behind the Method

    Kevin isn’t just teaching brushstrokes—he’s teaching self-belief. Many of his students have carried wounds from childhood, convinced they “weren’t creative.” His mission is to dismantle that narrative.

    “Art is for everyone,” he insists. “It’s not about who you were told you are. It’s about what you can learn and who you can become.”

    Why Evolve Students Outpace Traditional Grads

    The proof lies in the output. Evolve students routinely sell professional commissions, launch businesses, and develop mastery in a fraction of the time. The reason? Built-in feedback loops and a focus on fundamentals, rather than theory without application.

    It’s art training stripped down to what actually works.

     

    Living an Unconventional Life

    For Kevin, living unconventionally means rewriting the rules about who gets to be an artist. It means replacing intimidation with empowerment and proving that skill can be taught, measured, and mastered.

    His philosophy? Anyone can learn to paint. The only requirement is the willingness to start.

    Giveaway: Win Access to Evolve Artist Training

    As part of this episode, Kevin is offering listeners a chance to experience the Evolve Artist method for themselves. One lucky winner will gain exclusive access to his training resources, designed to help total beginners unlock the foundations of realistic painting.

     

    Connect with Kevin

  • Ep411: Executing Billion-Dollar Ideas with Fintech CEO and Visionary Suneera Madhani

    Ep411: Executing Billion-Dollar Ideas with Fintech CEO and Visionary Suneera Madhani

    In a world where fewer than 3% of venture capital funds go to female founders, and even fewer to women of color, Suneera Madhani is a rarity. She’s not just a trailblazer—she’s an embodiment of resilience, determination, and execution. From being the first female CEO to lead a unicorn out of Florida to now building her second fintech company, Suneera’s journey is a testament to taking the path less traveled and making it her own.

     

    The Genesis of a Unicorn: Stax Payments

    Suneera Madhani’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 25 when she took a leap of faith. Working at a payments company, she had an idea that would disrupt how payment processing was approached. But the response she received was far from supportive—her bosses didn’t see the vision. Refusing to be deterred, Suneera decided to forge her own path, quitting her job and diving headfirst into building Stax Payments.

    With her brother as her co-founder, they embarked on a decade-long journey, scaling Stax Payments to over $140 million in recurring revenue before a billion-dollar exit in 2021. What made Stax different? Suneera and her team introduced a subscription-based processing model that bridged a gap in the market—offering both in-person and digital transactions, combining the best of what competitors like Square and Stripe offered.

    “Ideas don’t make you an entrepreneur, execution does,” Suneera says, reflecting on her journey. “There’s no such thing as a billion-dollar idea—only billion-dollar execution.” Her mantra was to put one foot in front of the other, solve problems daily, and focus on providing excellent customer experiences.

     

    The Realities of Being a Woman in Fintech

    Suneera has never shied away from discussing the challenges of being a woman—particularly a woman of color—in a male-dominated industry. She describes her journey as one of always having to build her own seat at the table. In boardrooms where no one looked like her, she was often underestimated. “I’m a 5-foot-tall brown woman,” she says, “I had to learn to carry my power upfront and create my own space in those rooms.”

    Balancing authenticity with resilience, Suneera learned how to navigate the duality of being both tough and kind. She admits that, for much of her journey, she wore armor to protect herself from the challenges she faced. Now, however, she is allowing herself to embrace vulnerability, tapping more into her feminine energy in her new venture.

     

    Building Again: Worth AI and the Mission for Equity

    After a successful exit from Stax Payments, many would have expected Suneera to take a break. Instead, she’s back with another fintech venture—Worth AI. This time, her mission is even more focused on impact and equity. Worth AI aims to create a business credit score that levels the playing field for small businesses, particularly those led by minorities.

    “We believe decision-making about businesses should be done through data, not unconscious bias,” Suneera explains. Worth AI is creating an underwriting platform that removes human bias from financial decision-making, providing equitable access to funding for small businesses. Partnering with Equifax, Worth AI is setting out to standardize the way businesses’ creditworthiness is measured—something that Suneera feels passionate about after experiencing firsthand the challenges of getting access to capital.

     

    Lessons in Resilience: The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster

    For Suneera, the journey to success has not been without its struggles. She is candid about the emotional roller coaster of being an entrepreneur—the late nights, the countless rejections, and the resilience required to keep going. “I wanted to quit a thousand times,” she admits. “But I showed up every day, even when it was hard. It’s about being comfortable with rejection and being willing to pivot when necessary.”

    The key to her success, Suneera says, has been to focus on execution and customer experience. “Revenue solves all problems,” she notes. “If you build a great business, the rest will follow.” Her approach has always been customer-centric, treating every client as if they were a guest in her own home—a philosophy she attributes to her upbringing in an immigrant household.

     

    Balancing Family, Femininity, and Business

    Beyond her professional achievements, Suneera is also a mother to two daughters, who have been part of her entrepreneurial journey from day one. Both girls took their first steps in her office, and Suneera often refers to Stax as her “first baby.” She speaks openly about the challenge of balancing her roles as a CEO and a mom, acknowledging that it requires flexibility, support, and prioritization.

    In her new venture, Suneera is embracing a different kind of leadership—one that is more open, authentic, and aligned with her personal values. She talks about the importance of “freedom of time, dollar, and impact,” and how she wants Worth AI to be about more than just financial success—she wants it to make a difference.

     

    Freedom, Impact, and Leaving a Legacy

    Suneera’s entrepreneurial journey has been driven by her desire for freedom—first, the freedom of money, then the freedom of time, and now, the freedom to make an impact. She is focused on building a legacy that will not only benefit her family but also create opportunities for others who have been overlooked by traditional systems.

    “Hard work is the shortcut to success,” she says. And with Worth AI, Suneera is proving once again that when vision meets execution, anything is possible.

     

    Enter to Win a Year-Long Membership to CEO School’s Founders Club!

    Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? Suneera Madhani is offering a year-long membership to CEO School’s Founders Club—an incredible community designed for female entrepreneurs. Gain access to mentorship, resources, and a network of inspiring women who are ready to support your growth.

    More of Suneera:

  • Ep405: Building an Empire Out of Passion: Insights from the Legendary Music Executive, Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur Mr. Mathew Knowles

    Ep405: Building an Empire Out of Passion: Insights from the Legendary Music Executive, Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur Mr. Mathew Knowles

    In the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and entertainment, few names resonate with as much authority and influence as Mr. Knowles.

    Renowned not only as the father of Beyoncé, one of the most iconic performers of our time, but also as a visionary leader and entrepreneur, Mr. Knowles has built an empire that spans multiple industries and continents. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

     

    A Humble Beginning

    Mathew Knowles‘ journey began in the small town of Gadsden, Alabama, where he grew up on a dirt road during the 1950s. It was a time of intense segregation, and he, who integrated local schools, faced significant racism and adversity.

    Despite these challenges, he was instilled with a deep sense of purpose and ambition by his parents, who were second-generation entrepreneurs. This upbringing not only provided him with a resilient mindset but also fueled his dreams of achieving greatness beyond the confines of his environment.

     

    Corporate Climb and Early Success

    Before venturing into the music industry, Mr. Knowles carved out a successful career in corporate America. He worked with Xerox Medical Systems, quickly ascending to become the top global salesperson—a position he held for multiple years.

    His efforts at Xerox led to initiatives that saw the company recognized as the number one workplace for minority professionals by Forbes, long before diversity became a focal point in corporate culture. Mr. Knowles also held notable positions at Philips Medical Systems and Johnson & Johnson, further honing his skills in sales and marketing.

     

    The Entrepreneurial Leap

    In the early 1980s, Mr. Knowles, along with his former wife Tina Knowles-Lawson, launched “Headliners,” a beauty salon in Houston that quickly became one of the largest in the region. This venture was a precursor to his later success in the music industry.

    Taking a significant risk, he left his corporate career to manage Destiny’s Child, then an emerging girl group that included his daughter Beyoncé. This bold move was underpinned by his passion for music and a keen understanding of brand development and marketing.

     

    Building an Empire

    Mr. Knowles’ acumen as a manager and branding expert became evident as he navigated Destiny’s Child to international stardom. He later managed other major acts, including Solange and Earth, Wind & Fire, and established Music World Music, an independent label that sold over 450 million records.

    His efforts in the industry were not limited to music; he also played a crucial role in marketing campaigns for global brands like Pepsi, L’Oréal, and Samsung. His work with House of Deréon Apparel, co-founded with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles-Lawson, culminated in a $75 million acquisition, showcasing his versatility and business savvy.

     

    Passion-Driven Success

    Throughout his career, Mr. Knowles has adhered to a philosophy that prioritizes passion and continuous learning. He believes in the importance of pursuing what one loves, as this passion naturally leads to hard work and success.

    “Find your passion,” he often advises, “because it will bring joy and drive you to be the best in your field.”

    Mr. Knowles also emphasizes the value of education and adaptability. Despite his extensive experience, he returned to academia to deepen his understanding of music and business, earning an MBA and a Ph.D. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard, underscoring his belief in lifelong learning.

     

    Inspiration and Legacy

    Today, Mr. Knowles is a sought-after speaker and educator, holding professorships at Pepperdine University and the London College of Creative Media. He continues to inspire through his motivational talks, often sharing his experiences as a cancer survivor and advocate for early detection.

    His contributions to literature include several influential books, such as The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals, where he delves into the traits that drive success, offering lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

    While Mr. Knowles is not actively producing music, his legacy in the industry continues through his work in education and mentorship. He remains involved in the entertainment world through Music World Music Film & Television, LLC, which develops projects for both film and television. His role as a speaker, educator, and consultant also keeps him engaged in shaping the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs, ensuring his impact and influence endure.

     

    Book Mr. Knowles to Speak

    Experience the wisdom and expertise of a legendary music executive and visionary entrepreneur. Book Mr. Mathew Knowles to inspire and elevate your event. Visit mathewknowles.com to secure your date today!

     

    More of Mr. Knowles:

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