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Wrapping up Season 11 of Unpolished MBA. Lesson of 2025: People may appear kind/nice/assertive/confident and be ill-intentioned and cut-throat in business. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this episode, we're joined by Sabeen Abbas, founder of Hatch Line Consulting, to unpack what it really means to turn product strategy into action in the CPG and food and beverage world. Sabeen shares how she transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship just one year ago, why she chose to focus on CPG, and how she uses decision frameworks and stakeholder clarity to help founders and leadership teams stop stalling and start moving. They dig into the reality that “strategy” is often misunderstood, and that what leaders call “too tactical” is sometimes the exact mechanism required to execute. Sabeen explains her approach to fractional product and commercial leadership, why the shelf is where the truth lives in CPG, and how a company’s packaging decision is never just design, it is context, category dynamics, and buyer and consumer behavior. Key takeaways and insights Entrepreneurship is not always a side hustle story. For some people, it starts when they are ready to own their own hamster wheel instead of running on someone else’s.In CPG, product strategy is inseparable from retail reality. The shelf context and category are part of the strategy, not an afterthought.Decision-making is a leadership skill. Delaying decisions creates momentum and focus problems across the organization.Stakeholder management drives execution. Many “contradictions” in meetings are actually stakeholder pressure playing out in real time.A useful rule of thumb for options: if you only have two, you have not thought hard enough. If you have a hundred, you have not filtered. Aim for a strong option C.“Strategy” is getting a bad reputation because some leaders have never learned how to connect strategy to action. Good strategy is operational, not performative. Follow Sabeen AbbasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabeenabbas/ Company: Hatch Line Consulting https://www.hatchline.co/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Episode Details:Capitalism is under pressure and everyday people can feel it. Rising prices from tariffs, fights over healthcare, shrinking trust in institutions and the rapid advance of AI have people questioning whether the system still works for them. In this conversation, Monique Mills sits down with Douglas Stevens, professor of accountancy at Georgia State University and author of In Search of a Moral Foundation for Capitalism. Together they unpack how economic theory narrowed into the “greedy, lazy” view of human behavior and what past thinkers can teach us about rebuilding a moral foundation for modern capitalism. Follow Douglas Stevens Ph.DOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-stevens-58b503126/ His book "In Search Of A Moral Foundation For Capitalism" can be found on Amazon at https://a.co/d/9hMtGp3 Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, Andy Goldstrom of Midcourse Advisors joined us. He has a remarkable track record of building and exiting two Inc. 5,000 companies to Fortune 50 buyers. Andy shares the powerful difference between mere growth and true scaling. In this episode, you will learn: What Andy’s first two fast-growth companies were and how they disrupted their industries.The first cracks Andy typically sees in a company trying to scale too fastWhy focus is the absolute key to scaling, and how a lack of it causes business owners to spend money on fragmented marketing or adding new services when they have "holes in their current bucket".How to build the "business muscle" for people who are great at their craft, but haven't been to business school.The two things that often unlock significant growth Andy’s three-part framework for success in business Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Andy GoldstromLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygoldstrom/ Company - Midcourse Advisors: www.midcourseadvisors.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On this episode, Dr. Julie Gurner, executive performance coach and author of the Ultra Successful Substack newsletter, to unpack one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership: assertiveness. Most people equate assertiveness with rudeness — especially when it comes from women. But as Dr. Gurner explains, assertiveness is simply clarity — the opposite of expecting people to read your mind. The two discuss how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ownership separate high performers from those who stay stuck in their comfort zones. Why being assertive isn’t the same as being abrasiveHow fear of judgment keeps professionals from being directThe myth of “micromanagement” and what clarity actually looks likeHow emotional intelligence shapes perception of leadership stylesWhy clarity builds trust faster than politeness ever willThe danger of surrounding yourself with excuse-makersWhy growth plateaus are rarely caused by markets — and usually by mindsets Dr. Gurner also dives into limiting beliefs and the power of an internal locus of control, showing how elite performers take total ownership of outcomes — good or bad. Monique adds her own experiences leading teams across industries, from engineering to beauty and wellness, highlighting the real-world tension between intention, perception, and leadership maturity. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Dr. Julie GurnerOn Substack: https://substack.com/@drgurner Website: https://ultrasuccessful.com/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

2026 is shaping up to be the year that separates companies that are just keeping up from those creating what’s next. In this forward-thinking solo episode we break down the trends, technologies, and shifts that will define business success in the near future. We dive into why many employees—though excellent at their roles—don’t understand the business behind what they do, and why that lack of understanding will become a liability as AI continues to evolve. Listeners will learn why the smartest investment leaders can make before the year ends isn’t another software tool—but their people. Developing business acumen and innovation capability across teams can transform an organization’s culture, competitiveness, and ability to adapt. If you’re a leader preparing your company for 2026, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.s Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

When everyone sounds the same, trust becomes the real advantage. In this episode, Lisa McGuire, strategist, advisor, and host of Your Passion, Purpose & Personal Brand, shares how to build a business aligned with your unique identity rather than credentials or trends. Lisa breaks down how sameness is the recipe for disappearing, why borrowed voices weaken connection, and how authenticity and humanity are becoming the new competitive edge in business. Through her use of Human Design, she reveals the science behind how people are wired to make decisions, find alignment, and experience flow instead of burnout. Lisa’s message is simple: when you stop performing and start operating as your true self, everything from marketing to client relationships flows naturally. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Lisa McGuireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mcguire/ Website: https://lisamcguire.com/about/ Get Your Free Bodygraph - https://lisamcguire.com/get-your-free-chart/ Lisa's Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/your-passion-purpose-and-personal-brand/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Some Topics Discussed Include: Are you an educator hoping to pursue entrepreneurship? Listen in to learn how an educator-turned-entrepreneur reimagined her career to serve families, schools, and communities with language and literacy. Guest, Lisa Shaw, author, educator, and founder of My Other Tongue joined us on this episode. Lisa helps children and adults learn Spanish and Portuguese in ways that are practical, fun, and rooted in community. She also co-authored a children’s series with her son, Liam’s Faith Adventures, blending social-emotional learning with faith. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Some of the topics discussed include: The “mother tongue” idea: Learn a second language before age 8 and it can function like a mother tongue. What that means for accent, ear training, and home routines.Home language strategy: How to support bilingual homes when only one parent speaks the language. Why community, events, and real conversations matter more than vocab lists.What actually makes you fluent: Routines and patterns you use daily. Learn essential structures first (I need, I have, I go, Do you have… Can you…?) and layer vocabulary on top.Business reality: The hardest part is aligning expectations. Fluency is built outside class, so families need goals, accountability, and small weekly habits. Struggle is part of learning.Message to women rebuilding: Package your gifts, find your tribe, ask for support, and be courageous enough to share your dreams in the right rooms. Connect with Lisa ShawRegister for classes - http://myothertongue-21291015.hs-sites.com/fall-spanish-class-registration-0    Tutoring - https://www.myothertongue.com/childrens-courses/p/k-5-tutoring Business website: http://www.myothertongue.com Programs and offers: Kids, teen, and adult Spanish with thematic, real-life tasksTravel Spanish intensives before summer tripsImmersion partnerships in Mexico with host familiesCorporate/adult practical Spanish for everyday interactionsLiteracy services leveraging science-of-reading practices in English and SpanishGeorgia Milestones, decoded: Levels (Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Distinguished), why 3rd and 5th grade are promotion years, and how parents can interpret Lexile scores and act fast.Children’s book series: Liam’s Faith Adventures on Amazon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacovingtonshaw/ Blog: https://lisareneashaw.blogspot.com/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: a...

In this episode we speak with Karla Trotman, CEO of Electro Soft, an electronics contract manufacturer serving industrial and defense customers. Karla shares the company’s origin story from kitchen table cables to a second-generation operation, and how she’s steering through tariffs, supply chain shocks, skilled-labor shortages, and leadership stress. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Karla TrotmanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlatrotman/ Her Company - Electro Soft Inc https://www.electrosoftinc.com/ Karla's Book on Amazon : https://a.co/d/9aHaU7T Dark, Dirty, Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Erika Jefferson joins the Unpolished MBA to talk about why more scientists and engineers aren’t at the venture capital table. She breaks down common myths about who becomes a VC, discuss the real backgrounds of investors, and highlight the unique value technical professionals bring to the world of startups and funding. Erika shares insights from her research, offering practical advice for STEM professionals curious about breaking into venture capital. Whether you’re an engineer, scientist, or just interested in the intersection of tech and finance, this conversation is packed with eye-opening stories, actionable tips, and inspiration to help you find your place in the VC ecosystem. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Erika JeffersonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikajeffersonmba/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ LinkedIn Group - VC for STEM https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14714659/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com This Episode is Supported By: TPM Focus - tpmfocus.com Source to Scale for Manufacturing Companies - tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Venture Capital for STEM - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ New Majority Capital - https://newmajoritycapital.com/

In this episode A. Lee Judge—entrepreneur, multimedia content expert, and founder of Content Monsta—discusses the evolution of content creation in the digital age. Lee shares his journey from DJing and corporate marketing to building a creative agency that specializes in video and podcast production for enterprise clients. They discuss why starting with “big content” like podcasts and video interviews unlocks a wealth of repurposable material, the challenges and innovations of remote video production, and how Lee’s team helps companies adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape. Lee also offers candid advice for businesses of all sizes on working with agencies, trusting experts, and the importance of focusing on what you do best. Plus, Lee gives a sneak peek into his book, “CASH: Communication, Alignment, Systems, and Honesty,” which aims to bridge the gap between sales and marketing teams. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or aspiring content creator, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world stories about building a brand, scaling content, and thriving in today’s business environment. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about creativity, innovation, and the business of content!Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow A. Lee Judge - Content MonstaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleejudge/ Company - Content Monsta https://contentmonsta.com/ Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ This Episode is Supported By: TPM Focus - tpmfocus.com Source to Scale for Manufacturing Companies - tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Venture Capital for STEM - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ New Majority Capital - https://newmajoritycapital.com/

About Episode 147 of Unpolished MBA(R): This episode of Unpolished MBA has guest Caroline Dunn—electrical engineer turned VP of Marketing, YouTuber with 37,000+ subscribers, and author of A Woman’s Guide to Winning in Tech. Caroline shares her unconventional career journey, starting in engineering and pivoting into marketing—despite pushback from peers who didn’t see it as “real” work. We get into how she navigated that transition, what it takes to succeed in male-dominated industries, and why having an entrepreneurial spirit matters whether you’re at a startup or not. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Caroline DunnCaroline Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedunn/ Caroline on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caroline Her Book on Amazon: "A Woman's Guide To Winning In Tech" https://a.co/d/1hZlS8j Tired of being the only woman in the room—and still having to prove you belong? You’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone. This smart, sharp, and refreshingly unfiltered guide is part memoir, part satire, and 100% done with outdated gender myths that still linger in tech. Inspired by real experiences (with the names changed to protect the guilty), A Woman’s Guide to Winning in Tech is both a reality check and a rally cry for women navigating the world of startups. Whether you're coding your first app, running a team, mentoring others, or simply tired of being underestimated, this book is for you. Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com 🎧 Subscribe & listen on: Apple Podcasts: Unpolished MBA Spotify: Unpolished MBA Amazon Music: Unpolished MBA

This episode kicks off Season 11 with a conversation that every small and mid-sized business owner needs to hear. We’re not talking hype—we’re talking real numbers, real friction, and the decisions that make or break your cash flow (and ultimately your success!). Monique sits down with Jess, a seasoned executive turned small business advisor, who shares practical insights from his time managing companies from $15M to $250M—and now, helping small businesses operate smarter. They unpack: Why gross margin isn’t enough if your cash conversion is brokenThe danger of discounting without strategyWhat it really means to track a 13-week rolling cash flowHow small business owners can become both the biggest asset and the biggest risk in their companieA simple framework for locating the friction in your business and unlocking growthYou’ll also hear how these lessons tie directly into what we do at Source to Scale—helping manufacturing companies find the cash hiding in their supply chain and procurement operations. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: TPM Focus – Strategy firm for innovation and sustainable growth: https://www.tpmfocus.com Source to Scale (powered by TPM Focus) – Cash flow optimization for US manufacturing companies: https://www.tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ 🎧 Subscribe & listen on: Apple Podcasts: Unpolished MBA Spotify: Unpolished MBA Amazon Music: Unpolished MBA

This final episode of the ETA series brings everything full circle. If you've been following along, you know we’ve covered the entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) space in depth—exploring what it takes to buy a business, what can go wrong, what goes right, and how investors evaluate deals. In this episode, the host breaks down: Why acquisitions became part of her growth strategyThe real challenges of buying a business vs. starting from scratchLessons from her own ETA journey, including deals that fell throughWhy innovation and AI are crucial, even when acquiring an existing businessHow to determine the right path for you—startup vs. acquisition No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode will give you valuable insights into wealth-building, growth, and business strategy. Whether you’re an aspiring searcher, a startup founder, or someone exploring business ownership, you’ll walk away with actionable insights for your next steps. 📩 Join the host's newsletter for exclusive insights & updates: tpmfocus.com/newsletter TPM Focus Newsletter - "Unpolished Business" 💡 Want to learn how to scale smarter with AI & automation? Join the waitlist: tpmfocus.com/businessstrategy This is the Business Strategy Cohort of entrepreneurs learning directly from the host of Unpolished MBA. Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Most searchers focus on finding the perfect business to buy—but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode, Monique Mills sits down with investor and experienced entrepreneur Mario Montag to discuss what really drives post-acquisition success. Spoiler: it’s not just adding new tech and CRMs. Mario shares what he looks for in searchers before investing, why operational execution is the #1 factor in long-term success, and the importance of EOS (from the book Traction). He also reveals the biggest mistakes searchers make, why keeping customers is the most critical post-close task, and why the ETA space needs more honest conversations about its challenges. If you’re thinking about acquiring a business or investing in one, don’t miss this conversation! Key Topics: The investor mindset in ETAKey operational improvements that drive valueHow to assess risk and avoid hidden pitfalls in acquisitionsWhy seller notes and earnouts are essential protectionsLessons from failed deals 📌 Mentioned in this episode: 🔗 The Book Traction (EOS Framework): https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Mario Montag🔗 Mario Montag’s Website:https://mariomontag.com 🔗 Mario Montag on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariomontag/ 🔗 Fruition Capital:https://fruitioncap.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com