Empire Building

Latest Episodes:

264. Building a Business That Supports Your Life with Anna Krueger (Part 2) Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to build a career that aligns with your strengths, supports your personal life, and fuels your passion? In this episode, we continue our conversation with Anna Krueger, diving into how she strategically designed a career that gives her both financial success and the freedom to live on her terms. After years of navigating personal challenges—including being a full-time caretaker for her mother—Anna knew she needed a role that not only leveraged her natural talents but also provided the flexibility to prioritize what mattered most.

From stepping into the world of real estate inside sales to becoming a sought-after coach and trainer, Anna shares how she identified opportunities, created her own path, and fiercely protected her time and energy. She discusses the power of StrengthsFinder in shaping her career, the importance of time blocking and boundaries, and how she transitioned from one-on-one coaching to scalable training programs that maximize her impact. Her journey is a testament to the idea that success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working in alignment with who you are.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role that doesn’t quite fit or wondered how to create a career that truly supports your life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Anna’s story proves that the best way forward isn’t always conventional, but with intention and strategy, you can craft a business and life you love.

Resources:

Sparking Progress – Anna’s website, where you can find coaching, training, and her new Tiny Courses.
CliftonStrengths Assessment

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The guest's views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the guest and not KWRI and its affiliates and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

263. Building a Business That Supports Your Life with Anna Krueger (Part 1) Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and forces you to reinvent yourself? Anna Krueger knows firsthand how to pivot, persevere, and turn life’s challenges into a career of impact. From starting as a high school teacher in Baltimore to unexpectedly landing in sales—a field she swore she’d never touch—Anna’s journey is proof that sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unlikely places. When she discovered a passion for training and coaching, she didn’t wait for permission; she created her own role, convinced leadership to support her vision, and built a career that aligned with her strengths.

But reinvention isn’t always by choice. Anna’s life changed overnight when she became a full-time caretaker for her mother after a devastating stage four cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, the career she had worked so hard to build had to fit around hospital visits, late-night ER trips, and the weight of navigating an uncertain future. She shares how she managed work and grief, the moments of light in an otherwise dark season, and the lessons she learned about resilience, friendship, and the power of community.

Anna’s story is raw, real, and full of insights for anyone navigating career shifts or personal trials. Whether you’re facing a major life transition or simply wondering if you’re on the right path, this episode is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of building a life—not just a business—that truly supports you.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into how Anna turned these experiences into a thriving career that empowers others!

Resources:

Sparking Progress – Anna’s website, where you can find coaching, training, and her new Tiny Courses.
CliftonStrengths Assessment

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

262. The 10-Step Playbook for Scaling Multiple Businesses Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Picture this: You’ve built a successful business, and now you’re wondering, “What’s next?” How do you take what you’ve learned and scale it into a thriving empire? If that’s where you are, today’s episode is for you.

We’re breaking down the 10 steps to building and scaling multiple businesses—the simple (but not easy) way. From understanding your strengths as a leader to creating systems that run without you, we’ll walk you through how to structure, scale, and sustain multiple ventures without losing momentum.

We’re taking inspiration from visionaries like Walt Disney, who transformed a single idea into a multi-billion dollar empire through vertical integration and strategic growth. Whether you’re looking to expand within your current industry or create synergistic businesses that build off one another, these steps will help you get there.

Resources:

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

261. The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team—And How to Overcome Them Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt like your team is a little... chaotic? You're not alone. Most teams struggle with dysfunction in one way or another, but the good news is, there’s a fix. In this episode, we dive into The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and break down what’s holding your team back—and how to turn things around.

From trust issues to lack of accountability, we’re tackling the most common challenges that make teams ineffective. We’ll share real-world examples from our own experiences, including the surprising signs that your team might not trust you as much as you think. Plus, we’ll give you practical strategies to build a culture of open communication, commitment, and results.

Whether you’re leading a small team or a massive organization, these insights will help you foster a team that actually works together—not just a group of people working side by side.

Resources:

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

260. How to Get One Day a Week Back Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

What if you could reclaim an entire day of your week? Today, we’re breaking down how to take back your time, cut out unnecessary tasks, and create space for what truly matters—both in business and life.

We’re sharing a powerful time-audit exercise to uncover where your time really goes, plus practical strategies like setting meeting limits, color coding your calendar, and learning the magic of saying "no." And here’s the game-changer—plan your playtime first, then work. Because your best ideas don’t come when you’re drowning in meetings.

Resources:

Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

259. Building a Hot Pink Empire: Ryan Major on Reinvention and Resilience Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you mix Texas grit, a hot pink brand, and a relentless drive to succeed? You get Ryan Major. In this episode of Empire Building, Wendy Papazan sits down with Ryan to dive into her journey from growing up on a horse farm in Fredericksburg to building a real estate empire in Lindale, Texas.

Ryan’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. She shares how the lessons she learned from showing horses—grit, perseverance, and a thick skin from being constantly judged—prepared her for the highs and lows of the real estate industry. She opens up about hitting burnout after running a brokerage for five years without any leverage, her struggle with alcoholism, and how a bold move to Keller Williams in 2020 (paired with a rebrand in hot pink) turned everything around. Through it all, she’s leaned on the power of community—especially the Her Best Life family—and shares how finding like-minded women helped her navigate the loneliness of ambition in a small town. Whether you're building a business or just need a reminder of the power of taking action (and course-correcting when needed), Ryan’s story is packed with inspiration, humor, and hard-won wisdom.

Resources:

Learn more: themajorteam.com
Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

258. Proven Formula for Growth Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Growth isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a core value for us. But what happens when the growth stops? When you hit a plateau, when the numbers stall, when you start to wonder if you’re still the right leader for the job? We’ve been there. And we know how discouraging it can be.

In today’s episode, we dive into the realities of stagnation and what to do when it feels like your empire isn’t growing. We’ll unpack the four P’s of growth—the formula that helped us move forward when we felt stuck.

Resources:

Read Shift by Gary Keller
Read Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

257. Are Women Getting the Wrong Money Messages? Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Let’s talk about the money messages women are getting—and why they might be holding us back. In this episode, we dig into the unconscious gender biases baked into financial advice. From AI-generated suggestions to the ways society raises boys and girls differently, it’s clear that women are often encouraged to play it safe while men are told to take risks, invest boldly, and build empires.

We believe it’s time to rewrite those narratives. Building wealth as women requires more than saving and budgeting—it’s about stepping into our power, making bold decisions, and prioritizing financial literacy. Together, we’ll explore how to break down outdated norms, challenge our own biases, and build the big businesses and even bigger lives we deserve. Join us for this eye-opening conversation!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 18th, if you’re in or around Las Vegas! Join us at 3:15 PM at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for a live Empire Building session, followed by an in-person mastermind to work on your business together.

RSVP for your free seat now at herbestlife.com/events. Hope to see you there!

Resources:

Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

256. Turn No Into Yes with Strategic Follow-Ups Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Hearing “no” can feel discouraging, but as empire builders, we know it’s just part of the process. In this episode, we’re diving into how to reframe rejection, embrace the “not yet,” and turn it into an opportunity. Whether you’re building a business, scaling a team, or growing your impact, learning how to handle a “not yet” with confidence is a game-changer.

We share how to shift your mindset, celebrate the “not yets,” and master the art of follow-up. With stats like 80% of sales requiring at least five follow-ups, it’s clear that persistence and relationship-building are the keys to success. From sending handwritten cards to creating thoughtful urgency, we discuss how to stand out and build trust while staying proactive and consistent.

RSVP for your free seat now at herbestlife.com/events. Hope to see you there!

Resources:

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

255. From Real Estate to Business Acquisitions with Bekki Lowrance Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Are you thinking about buying a business but not sure where to start? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Bekki Lowrance, an expert business owner and buyer who has successfully transitioned from real estate to buying and scaling multiple businesses.

Bekki shares the story of her journey—how she went from taking anything that came her way in real estate to becoming highly selective in her business ventures. She discusses the mindset shift that allowed her to focus on business acquisitions, and how she now buys companies that align with her family’s values and long-term goals.

If you're ready to take the leap into buying businesses or scaling your empire, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to get started.

Resources:

Follow Bekki on Instagram: @bekkilowrance
Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected