What does it take to become one of the top consultants on Upwork and build a thriving business consulting firm?

In this episode of Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed, business consultant Justin Abrams shares his journey from biotech to running a successful consulting firm helping small businesses improve sales, operations, and long-term strategy.

Justin reveals:

• How he leveraged Upwork to build credibility and a steady client pipeline quickly
• The real cost of relying on paid ads — and why organic leads matter more than ever
• Why buying a competitor can be a faster growth strategy than marketing
• The difference between a franchise and buying a small business (and which may make more sense for you)
• How AI can streamline your work without losing the human touch
• His approach to business planning keeps owners moving forward without getting stuck in “analysis paralysis.”

Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or rethinking your growth plan, this episode offers practical strategies you can apply right away.

Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-abrams-aryo-consulting/

What does authentic leadership really look like in the wild? In this episode, Adrienne Barker sits down with leadership expert Jennifer Jensen for a candid conversation filled with laughter, learning, and leadership truth bombs.

Jennifer shares how her 30-year career across corporate sectors—and a few hard-earned scars—led her to launch AuthenticLeader.ca and write her practical, bullet-point-style book Developing Authentic Leaders. Together, they unpack:

🧠 Why micromanagement is the ultimate culture killer 💥 How to spot an inauthentic leader (even if they're charming) 🚩 The subtle ways toxicity creeps into the workplace—and what to do about it 📚 Why leadership training should be required for both new grads and seasoned pros 💡 How servant leadership, empathy, and direct feedback can transform a team

You’ll hear stories that are all too familiar—from dealing with a toxic boss who only showed up when the higher-ups were around, to managing PTSD from bad leadership—and you'll leave with real strategies and a renewed appreciation for the power of being genuine at work.

✨ Bonus: Jennifer reveals her unique approach to leadership development—point form, clear, and easy to use weekly or with a team. Think “coach in a book.”

👀 Check out Jennifer’s work at: AuthenticLeader.ca 📘 Grab her book Developing Authentic Leaders on Amazon

🎧 Tune in now—this episode is as real and unfiltered as it gets. No prep needed, just the good stuff.

What does it take to create a beauty brand from scratch—and make it shine on shelves like Sephora or QVC?

Meet Ginger King: award-winning cosmetic chemist, industry powerhouse, and the “Beauty Shark” who’s turning bold ideas into million-dollar brands.

In this episode of Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed, Ginger shares her 30-year journey through the beauty industry, from dreaming of makeup artistry to formulating viral products like JOICO's Ice Spiker and Freeze 24/7’s SPF cleanser. You'll hear how her cultural expectations led her to a master’s in chemistry—and ultimately, to shaping the skincare and haircare industry from behind the scenes.

Ginger also dishes on: → The Daymond John lip balm collab inspired by his cancer scare → What really happens at Shark Tank auditions (spoiler: 4 AM lines and no sharks) → The skincare secret to dark spot fading—if you’re consistent → Why sunscreen and beeswax may not be your skin’s best friends → How one client grew her beauty brand to $20 million with Ginger’s help

💄 Whether you're launching your own line or just love a good entrepreneurial glow-up, this episode is filled with beauty, brains, and bold business truths.

5 Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss ➤ Ginger’s formula for building brands—not just products ➤ The science and ethics behind safer, vegan lip balms ➤ Why Instagram works better than LinkedIn for finding beauty clients ➤ The must-know ingredient swaps for health-conscious consumers ➤ How Ginger’s consulting led to real products on real shelves

💬 Favorite Quotes: 🗣️ “If it’s going near your mouth, it should be made by someone who cares about what goes inside.” 🗣️ “Beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s in the science, the ethics, and the purpose.” 🗣️ “You don’t just need a product. You need a brand with a story that sells.”

🎁 BONUS: Adrienne buys Ginger’s vegan, ultra-hydrating lip balm live on-air—and gets the scoop on a body chiller perfect for hot days (or hot flashes!).

🔗 Follow Ginger King on Instagram: @thebeautysharkginger

🛍️ Shop Ginger’s Brand: Visit her site and discover the ultimate lip balm, body chiller, and more. (Don’t miss the book: How to Start Your Own Cosmetic Line—with a free consultation bonus!)

🎧 Subscribe and leave a review if you believe in boldness, brilliance, and a great lip balm!