Advertise on podcast: LAUNCH Podcast with Allison Michels

In this episode, Allison sits down with Linda Cohen "The Kindness Catalyst" international speaker, author, and advocate for building cultures where people actually want to show up. Linda shares the deeply personal origin story behind her 1,000 mitzvahs project and how a decade of workplace research convinced her that kindness isn't soft it's a bottom-line driver tied to retention, engagement, and reduced burnout. You'll hear why companies like Costco, Trader Joe's, and Zappos get it right, what most leaders get dangerously wrong, and how to find your own "special sauce" for leading with more humanity starting today. Spoiler: kind leaders aren't weak. They're the ones people actually follow.

In 2017, Braxton Kilgo walked into a room with 1,200 middle school students and handed out stickers that said I Believe In You. What happened next changed his life and sparked a kindness movement that has now reached people around the world. In this episode, Allison sits down with Braxton to talk about building a movement on a shoestring, the intersection of kindness and marketing strategy, why generosity is his most powerful business tool, and what it really takes to build something that matters. Braxton is the founder of I Believe In You and Digicast Marketing, and one of the most genuinely generous humans in the entrepreneurship space. Visit: https://www.ibelieveinyou.io/

Frank Thorwald has advised presidents, run Justice Department programs, and chaired a state energy commission and his biggest career rule is simple: never be bored. On this episode of the LAUNCH Podcast Allison Michels interviews the founder of the Thorwald Group shares how a volunteer gig on the Reagan campaign turned into a front-row seat to American history, what it really takes to speak truth to power, and why the lost art of compromise might be our most urgent problem today.

LAUNCH and Hustle Happiness Podcasts join forces for a powerful conversation about dreaming again. In this special episode, Melanie Lee interviews Allison Michels, author, entrepreneur, and fractional CMO, about the power of reconnecting with your dreams and building a life and business that truly aligns with who you are. Allison shares her personal journey of rediscovering her dreams, the obstacles that often hold people back, and why clarity about who you are is the foundation for meaningful growth in both life and business. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your next step, or disconnected from the vision you once had for your life, this conversation will inspire you to start dreaming again — and take brave steps toward what’s possible. ✨ Connect with Melanie Lee: https://www.hustlehappiness.com/ Connect with Allison Michels: https://www.launchsuccess.co/

Many growing companies believe they have a marketing problem. More campaigns. More content. More agencies. More tools. But in reality, most companies don’t have a marketing problem. They have a marketing leadership problem. In this episode, Allison Michels — Fractional CMO and strategic growth partner — explains why marketing often feels scattered inside growing companies and what actually needs to change before results improve. You’ll learn: • Why more marketing activity rarely fixes the real issue • The leadership gap most companies don’t realize they have • Why strategy, clarity, and alignment matter more than tactics • How a Fractional CMO helps companies build scalable marketing systems If marketing inside your company feels busy but inconsistent, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on.

You know those conversations you don’t want to have—but know you need to? In this episode, Allison walks you through how she reframes difficult conversations so they feel empowering instead of draining. She shares the mindset shifts that turn avoidance into clarity, and tension into productive outcomes. You’ll learn how to approach hard conversations with confidence, stay grounded in the moment, and create solutions that actually move things forward—without blowing things up or backing down. If you’ve been putting off a conversation because it feels uncomfortable, emotional, or risky… this episode is for you.

What does it really take to build a business that lasts—not just financially, but culturally and personally? In this episode, Allison sits down with David Hori, an experienced operator, investor, and advisor who has spent over 25 years scaling, acquiring, and exiting businesses while preserving the people and culture behind them. David has led multiple successful exits, including a company acquired by Toyota, and has achieved something incredibly rare in growth and transition: integrating more than 1,100 employees with a 98% retention rate. He brings a buyer’s mindset, not a consultant’s playbook—focused on real-world decisions that give owners more options, not more noise. Together, Allison and David dive into the mindset shifts and operational processes required to scale well, not fast. This is a practical, honest conversation about: The leadership mindset required to grow beyond founder-led bottlenecks The processes owners need in place before scaling, stepping back, or exiting What business owners often overlook when trying to grow sustainably Why people and culture matter more than spreadsheets during transition What private equity often gets wrong—and what owners should understand early How thinking like a buyer creates clarity, leverage, and long-term optionality This episode is especially valuable for founders and owners who: Have built something meaningful and want to protect it Feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next move Care about legacy, not just valuation Want clear processes and grounded leadership—not hustle-driven growth If you’re thinking about scaling, stepping back, or eventually exiting, this conversation will help you make smarter decisions long before you’re forced to. 🎧 Listen in and learn how to build a business that truly lasts.

In this episode, Allison Michels pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a business and a life you love. She shares what’s been happening behind the scenes — from helping brands elevate their message and marketing strategy to creating a long-dreamed-of space for collaboration and creativity: the new LAUNCH Studio. Allison also opens up about her mission to help leaders step into their potential, the lessons she’s learned this season, and what’s next as she prepares for the 9th Annual LAUNCH Youth Leadership Conference. If you’re ready to find clarity, momentum, and courage to launch your next chapter this episode will leave you inspired to take action.

In this episode, Allison sits down with globally recognized business growth coach and Forbes mentor Dawn McGruer to explore what it really takes to scale with soul. Dawn shares why so many entrepreneurs hit a plateau—and how it’s often not a strategy problem, but a mindset one. Together, they unpack the inner blocks that hold leaders back and discuss how aligning purpose, passion, habits, and discipline can unlock both personal fulfillment and next-level business growth. If you're ready to grow your brandwithout sacrificing your well-being, this episode is for you. Connect with Dawn McGruer: https://dawnmcgruer.com/   In this episode, Allison sits down with globally recognized business growthcoach and Forbes mentor Dawn McGruer to explore what it really takes to scalewith soul. Dawn shares why so many entrepreneurs hit a plateau—and how it’soften not a strategy problem, but a mindset one. Together, they unpack the inner blocks that hold leaders back and discusshow aligning purpose, passion, habits, and discipline can unlock both personalfulfillment and next-level business growth. If you're ready to grow your brandwithout sacrificing your well-being, this episode is for you. Connect with Dawn McGruer: https://dawnmcgruer.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessconsort/ https://www.instagram.com/dawnmcgruer/

What happens when the life you worked so hard to build no longer fits who you're becoming? In this episode, Allison sits down with Amber Swenor — a literal rockstar in both music and business — to talk about the identity evolution so many high achievers face. As a transformational leadership coach and founder of Soul Seed Strategy, Amber shares what it means to grow beyond the version of success that once defined you… and how to navigate the fear, uncertainty, and inner shifts that come with it. Together, they unpack: The signs that you're evolving (even if life looks “successful” on paper) Why it’s so hard to let go of old roles and expectations The courage it takes to take aligned action without full clarity How to handle fear, self-sabotage, and stress during transitions The habits and mindset shifts Amber used to step into her next level This episode is for the leader who's ready to stop performing and start leading as their whole self. You’ll walk away with encouragement, tools, and a powerful reminder: you don’t have to burn out or sell out to grow. 🔗 Connect with Amber: www.soul-seed.com Tune in, and get ready to shift.

Real talk: Building a business that scales and sustains you? That’s the dream. And today’s guest is living proof that it’s possible. In this episode, Allison sits down with Vince Perri — a powerhouse business broker, public adjuster, and dealmaker who turns chaos into clarity with systems, strategy, and serious swagger. Vince leads a team of entrepreneurs, operators, and rainmakers who help business owners align their purpose, scale with intention, and exit with power. We’re diving into: How to find your North Star in business The real meaning behind “scaling without burnout” What it actually takes to build a business that doesn’t just grow — it runs without you The mindset and systems that make scaling sustainable If you’re craving more freedom, energy, and long-term impact in your business… this one’s for you.

In this episode of LAUNCH, Allison sits down with Mark C. Manderson—a powerful voice in the world of recovery and the visionary behind The Recovery Way and Pacific Shores Recovery Center. With over 25 years of experience helping veterans, men, and women overcome addiction, Mark brings a deeply compassionate and science-based approach to healing. We dive into how recovery is possible for anyone, how to break the stigma, and why transformation is always within reach. If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of LAUNCH, I sit down with Nick Pope—AI strategist and Chief AI Officer at Train In Your Lane—to talk about what’s actually working when it comes to using AI for business growth. Nick breaks down how he helps companies build practical frameworks to integrate AI (without the overwhelm) so they can scale smarter, faster, and with way less guesswork. If you’ve been wondering how to move from “dabbling” in AI to actually leveraging it to grow your business—this one’s for you. Let’s go!

In this episode, Allison dives into the power of dreaming — and why it matters now more than ever. She opens up about a time in her life when she lost touch with her dreams, the quiet whisper that reignited her spark, and the beautiful dreams that began to flow again. You’ll walk away feeling uplifted, inspired, and re-energized. If you’re feeling stuck or craving a fresh wave of inspiration… this one’s for you. 🎧✨

If you're a high-achieving leader feeling out of alignment or unsure of your next move, this episode is exactly what you need. What started as an impromptu, soul-stirring conversation with Nicole quickly turned into something I had to share with you. Nicole has a true superpower: helping people tap into their intuitive guide and align their energy to manifest what they truly want in life. She's taught me so much about tuning into what feels right, identifying energetic blocks, and shifting into clarity—and today, she’s here to do the same for you. This episode is totally off the cuff—no scripts, no agenda—just real, aligned conversation. We dive into how to recognize where your energy flows (or doesn’t), what that means, and how to begin trusting your own inner voice. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or like something’s just off, listen in. You might just walk away with the clarity you’ve been searching for.