The Confident Mompreneur Podcast

#150 Future-Proofing Your Career: AI, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Growth with Joan Bajorek

In this episode, Kyrie sits down with Joan Bajorek, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and investor, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on careers, business growth, and financial stability. Joan shares her journey from linguistics and voice AI research to building custom AI solutions, securing an 8-figure contract, and empowering women in tech. She highlights how AI is shaping the future of work, offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs while requiring professionals to adapt and innovate.
Joan and Kyrie dive into strategies for career resilience in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of human connections in job searches. Joan cites research showing that 70% of people who lost jobs during Covid found new opportunities through personal networking, reinforcing the power of relationship-building over traditional job applications. Kyrie shares her father’s experience securing a job without formal credentials, illustrating how personal branding and networking remain crucial even in a tech-driven job market.
The conversation shifts to financial security and income diversification, where Joan outlines the importance of multiple income streams, including passive strategies like high-yield savings accounts. She and Kyrie discuss the necessity of aligning financial goals with actions, staying invested during market fluctuations, and making informed financial decisions rather than emotional ones. Joan shares insights into monetizing skills, turning passion projects into sustainable businesses, and pricing expertise effectively.
As the founder of Women in Voice, Joan details her experience in growing and monetizing a community that started as a passion project. She highlights the challenges and rewards of creating a scalable business model, encouraging listeners to recognize their own value and develop monetizable skills. Kyrie and Joan agree that authenticity and personal storytelling are key differentiators in an AI-saturated market, as human experiences resonate more deeply with audiences.
The discussion also explores the integration of AI in business productivity, from tools like Canva enhancing efficiency to AI-generated content requiring refined input to produce high-quality, human-like output. Joan and Kyrie exchange practical advice on using AI tools effectively, setting clear prompts, and maintaining personal branding in AI-assisted communication. Joan encourages listeners to explore AI for career development, test different models, and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Joan wraps up by sharing her book, Your AI Roadmap, which serves as a guide to career resilience and AI development. She invites listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram and access her book at yourairoadmap.com. The episode leaves listeners with actionable insights on leveraging AI for business growth, financial security, and career advancement while staying true to their personal and professional identities.
 
Find Dr. Joan: @joaninseattle
@yourairoadmap
www.yourairoadmap.com
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#149: Saying Yes to Purpose: Healing, Hustling, and Creating Impact-Driven Profit with Erica Carrico

In this episode, Kyrie sits down with life purpose coach Erica Carrico to explore what it means to say yes to purpose, create impact, and build a thriving business while staying aligned with personal values. Erica shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a multimillion-dollar coaching business that helps women turn their passions into profitable ventures. They discuss the importance of taking bold action, overcoming self-doubt, and creating a business model that supports both financial success and personal fulfillment.
Erica emphasizes that finding purpose isn’t just about passion—it’s about identifying natural skills, recognizing what truly lights you up, and building a business that creates meaningful change. She breaks down her purpose-driven profit formula, which helps entrepreneurs align their expertise with impactful, income-generating work. Kyrie and Erica discuss how personal transformation often begins with a pivotal moment, whether it's a career shift, burnout, or a life-changing event, and how those experiences can lead to deeper clarity and confidence in business.
The conversation also covers practical strategies for growing a coaching business, from establishing proof of concept before investing in ads to consistently attracting new clients through workshops and intentional marketing. Erica shares her Soul Business Accelerator method, which provides a roadmap for reaching six figures while maintaining authenticity and balance. Together, they highlight the importance of resilience, smart decision-making, and staying committed to a long-term vision.
As a single mother and entrepreneur, Erica reflects on how building her business has given her financial freedom and the ability to create a life she loves. Kyrie and Erica wrap up the conversation by encouraging listeners to embrace their unique strengths, trust the process, and say yes to opportunities that align with their greater purpose. Erica invites listeners to connect with her through EricaCarrico.com for guidance on building a business that not only generates income but also leaves a lasting impact.
 
Find Erica: @ericalynncarrico
https://ericacarrico.com/
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#148 Saying Yes, Creating Impact, and Building a Purpose-Driven Business with T.H. Irwin

In this episode, Kyrie and T.H. dive into the power of saying yes before no, embracing new opportunities, and creating meaningful impact in both business and life. T.H. shares how her willingness to take on challenges led her from a corporate marketing career to launching Th Experiences, a business focused on engagement-driven events. She explains how adaptability and strategic decision-making have shaped her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting key lessons in building confidence and financial independence.
The conversation also explores the importance of staying focused on core business goals and avoiding distractions that don’t align with long-term success. T.H. shares her experience with hiring a business coach, learning to say no to quick-fix solutions, and prioritizing revenue-generating activities. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women entrepreneurs, encouraging them to price their services with confidence and work closely with accountants to maximize business potential.
Kyrie and T.H. also discuss the power of networking and leveraging relationships to build a purpose-driven brand. T.H. shares her insights on creating experiences rather than just events, stressing the importance of passion, financial awareness, and community partnerships. As Kyrie prepares for her first major event, she gains valuable takeaways from T.H.’s expertise, making this a must-listen episode for entrepreneurs, event planners, and anyone looking to say yes to opportunities that lead to lasting impact.
 
Find TH: @initialsonly
https://exexperts.com/exexpert/t-h-tracie-irwin/
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#147 Mastering Short-Term Rentals: Building Financial Freedom and Time Flexibility with Madeleine Raiford-Holland

Kyrie and Madeleine dive into the realities of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, with Madeleine sharing how her journey as a mom led her to launch a successful short-term rental business. What started as a single property soon grew into a portfolio of 16 properties in six months, and ultimately into a coaching business where she helps other families achieve financial and time freedom. She emphasizes the importance of systems, automations, and strategic hiring to free up time and ensure business success.
Their conversation explores the business side of short-term rentals, including how to find top-tier properties, navigate market saturation, and leverage automation for remote management. Madeleine breaks down the process of identifying the best-performing markets, securing financing, and furnishing properties efficiently. She also highlights the tax benefits and passive income potential of short-term rentals, sharing success stories of clients who have used them to build financial independence.
Madeleine and Kyrie discuss the strengths women bring to the short-term rental space—attention to detail, hosting skills, and multitasking—and how investing in real estate can be an empowering path for mothers seeking flexibility. They also touch on Madeleine’s transition from active property management to coaching, where she now guides others through self-directed courses, live workshops, and high-level mentorship programs.
 
Find Madeleine: @madeleineraifordholland
https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#146 Beyond Conquerors: Faith, Resilience, and Taking Action with Claudine McDaniel

In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Kyrie sits down with Claudine to discuss her incredible journey of overcoming hardship and using her experiences to uplift others through her nonprofit, Beyond Conquerors, and the Life Wow program. Claudine shares her deeply personal story, from growing up in a dysfunctional family in Africa to facing language barriers, financial struggles, and an unfaithful marriage after moving to the U.S. She highlights how her unwavering faith in God and commitment to prayer helped her navigate these challenges and eventually build a successful career in federal contracting.
Claudine's experiences led her to write More Than Conquerors, a book that resonated with many and paved the way for her ministry work. From there, she founded Beyond Conquerors, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives by providing emotional healing, career development, and job training. The Life Wow program, inspired by a dream, offers courses in areas like cybersecurity, nursing, business analysis, and personal growth. Claudine emphasizes the importance of taking action after receiving spiritual guidance, turning faith into practical steps toward success.
Kyrie and Claudine also discuss the role of community and self-esteem in personal transformation. They explore the connection between faith, healing, and practical steps toward success, emphasizing the power of perseverance and belief in one's potential.
 
Find Claudine: @claudinemcdaniel
https://beyondconquerors.org/home-2
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#145 Beyond Tired: Sleep, Motherhood, and the Science of Rest with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

In this insightful conversation, Kyrie sits down with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a sleep medicine physician, author of Beyond Tired, and advocate for holistic sleep solutions. They dive deep into the science of sleep, its impact on overall well-being, and practical strategies for improving sleep quality, particularly for busy moms and professionals.
Dr. Brown shares her personal journey of struggling with sleep deprivation and burnout during medical school and motherhood, which led her to specialize in pediatric sleep medicine. She explains how cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is a powerful, research-backed tool for retraining the brain to improve sleep. Kyrie relates to these challenges, sharing her own experiences with PTSD-related sleep disturbances and seeking guidance on improving her rest.
The conversation also explores the importance of sleep hygiene—covering bedtime routines, environmental factors, and the role of diet, physical activity, and social media consumption. Dr. Brown breaks down common sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, emphasizing the need for proper evaluation and treatment. She also touches on the potential impact of hormonal changes on sleep, offering insights into managing these shifts, especially for women navigating different life stages.
In addition to providing expert advice, Dr. Brown discusses her work supporting parents in helping their children develop healthy sleep patterns. She highlights the importance of collaboration with professionals like lactation consultants and pediatricians to address underlying issues affecting children’s sleep.
The episode wraps up with actionable steps for improving sleep, Dr. Brown’s resources—including her book, coaching programs, and clinical sleep services—and a discussion on the importance of setting boundaries for better rest. Kyrie and Dr. Brown also explore future collaboration opportunities to continue spreading awareness about sleep health.
 
Find Dr. Brown: @restfulsleepmd
https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#144 Embracing Inclusion: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy with Taryn Lagonigro

In this heartfelt episode of The Confident Mompreneur, Kyrie sits down with Taryn Lagonigro—a serial entrepreneur, yoga studio owner, co-founder of Extra Lucky Moms, and publisher of Dear Mama. Taryn shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, driven by her desire for flexibility and to be present with her family.
They dive into Taryn’s experiences as a mother to a child with Down Syndrome, the challenges of navigating lifelong disabilities, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces both in business and within the community. Taryn opens up about her transition into publishing, her advocacy work, and how vulnerability can be a powerful tool for connection and growth.
Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or advocate, this conversation offers insights on balancing life’s complexities with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.
 
Find Taryn: @tarynlagonigro
www.tarynlagonigro.com and www.extraluckymoms.com 
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#143 Rad Growth: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Building 'The Little Rad Things' with Maddy Fero

In this candid conversation, Kyrie chats with Maddy Fero, founder of The Little Rad Things, a bold kids' apparel brand that started during the pandemic and has quickly evolved into a thriving business. Maddy shares her journey from working in a franchise to launching her own company, inspired by her newfound passion for sewing and the encouragement of her husband. She opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—navigating rapid growth, scaling from $50K to over $100K, and managing the complexities of manufacturing and inventory.
Maddy reflects on balancing business with motherhood, sharing the challenges of starting her company while pregnant with her second child. She and Kyrie discuss the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and the power of customer feedback in driving continuous improvement. From managing business stress (like the day her credit card got shut off mid-order!) to staying true to her brand’s identity, Maddy’s story is an inspiring look at resilience, creativity, and what it means to grow something rad from the ground up.
 
Find Maddy: @maddyefero
www.littleradthings.com
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#142: Be SHE: Single Motherhood, Co-Parenting, and the Courage to Be Seen with Heidi Schalk

In this heartfelt conversation, Kyrie sits down with Heidi Schalk, a business strategist, visibility coach, and host of the Be SHE podcast, to explore the raw realities of single motherhood, co-parenting, and entrepreneurship. Heidi shares her personal journey of navigating divorce, supporting her children—including the challenges of an ADHD diagnosis—and the pivotal moment when she chose to rebuild her business with clarity and purpose. Together, they discuss the importance of open communication in both parenting and business, the transformative power of vulnerability, and how embracing imperfection can lead to growth.
Heidi opens up about her fear of being seen and heard, recounting how a simple Facebook Live became a breakthrough moment that reshaped her confidence. Kyrie and Heidi reflect on the balance between masculine and feminine energy in entrepreneurship, the necessity of self-care, and the courage required to step into your light. Whether you're a single mom, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone striving to overcome personal fears, this episode is filled with relatable stories, actionable strategies, and the reminder that your voice matters.
 
Find Heidi: @heidischalkcoaching
www.heidischalk.com
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com

#141 From Side Hustle to E-Commerce Empire with Dylan Jahraus

In this episode, Kyrie sits down with Dylan Jahraus, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate e-commerce roles at Zappos and Zulily to leading a thriving business in the Etsy marketplace. Dylan shares her journey from experimenting with selling wedding decorations online to managing a team of 35 and supporting Etsy sellers who generate between one to eight million dollars annually. She opens up about the pivotal decision to leave the corporate world, driven by the desire for flexibility during her pregnancy, and the determination it took to surpass the income of a lucrative job offer by focusing solely on her Etsy business.
Kyrie and Dylan dive deep into the strategies that fueled Dylan’s growth, including the power of SEO, leveraging platforms like Pinterest and Facebook for visibility, and the importance of customer-centric marketing. Dylan’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, as she discusses how customer feedback shaped her product offerings and how scaling her team allowed her business to thrive without burning out. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to expand your online presence, Dylan’s insights on team building, product visibility, and business sustainability will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
 
Find Dylan: @dylanjahraus
www.dylanjahraus.com
 
Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur
www.theconfidentmompreneur.com