What if the next level of your business isn’t about working harder—but about getting connected to the right people, asking the right questions, and getting into the right rooms?

In this episode of Express Light, Marilee Nies sits down with strategic growth expert Kolleen Chesley to talk about why so many talented women entrepreneurs are doing all the “right” things yet still growing slower than they should—and why trying to build everything alone may be part of the problem.

Through her work with Powerful Women Collective and Powerful Women Synergized, Kolleen is challenging the “do it alone” model and helping women turn collaboration into real business outcomes—from greater visibility and revenue to stronger support systems, funding opportunities, valuable introductions, and access to rooms they may not have known how to enter.

Marilee and Kolleen dig into the difference between simply networking and building strategic relationships, why access matters, and the opportunities women may unknowingly miss when they operate in isolation. They also explore the creative side of collaboration—how one supportive conversation and the right questions can suddenly spark a million different ideas, possibilities, and solutions you may never have seen on your own.

And sometimes, you just need an “accountabilibuddy”—someone willing to walk into the room with you, network alongside you, encourage you to make the introduction, and make the whole process a lot more fun.

They also talk about what it takes to become more visible, why relationships can open doors that hard work alone sometimes can’t, and how women can become more intentional about building connections that actually move their businesses forward.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard, doing all the things, and wondering why your business still isn’t moving as quickly as you hoped, this conversation may change the way you think about growth.

Because sometimes you don’t need another strategy to execute by yourself.

You need the right people beside you—and one conversation can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

What does it take to build seven international companies, coach more than 30,000 entrepreneurs and leaders, inspire audiences around the world, and still believe your greatest work is helping other women rise?

In this episode of Express Light, I have the privilege of sitting down with Deb Drummond, a globally recognized entrepreneur, media visionary, bestselling author, performance coach, and founder of the Show Up. Stand Up. Speak Up. Yes You! movement. With more than three decades dedicated to helping people perform at their highest potential, Deb has built an extraordinary career that includes 48 features in Success Magazine, speaking to audiences of more than 20,000 people, founding The Women's Channel, launching Mission Accepted Media, and creating opportunities that help women step into the spotlight on television, in business, and on global stages.

But this conversation goes far beyond her impressive résumé.

Deb opens up about the mindset that has carried her through decades of entrepreneurship, growing up in a single-parent home, the difference between GRIT and hustle, and why success isn't about waiting until you feel fearless; it's about moving before you're ready.

One of my favorite moments is our conversation about her son, Ocean, and his journey as a fashion designer and creative entrepreneur. Deb shares what it looks like to recognize a child's unique gifts early, encourage creativity without limiting it, and mentor the next generation of visionary leaders.

We also dive into Deb's powerful Show Up. Stand Up. Speak Up. Yes You! movement and the inspiring 262 Project, a global initiative creating opportunities for women to share their stories, build meaningful connections, and expand their influence through books, television, summits, red-carpet experiences, and media exposure.

Whether you're building a business, navigating a season of reinvention, raising creative children, or simply wondering if your dreams are still possible, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, refreshing perspective, and the encouragement to think bigger than your fears.

• Why GRIT outlasts hustle.

• How to intentionally build a resilient mindset.

• The daily habits that fuel long-term success.

• Why growth always requires a little discomfort.

• Lessons from raising a creative entrepreneur.

• How meaningful relationships can accelerate your purpose.

• Why borrowing courage can become the first step toward lasting confidence.

I'm also excited to share that I'll be joining Deb as one of the featured speakers at her upcoming How-To Money Summit on August 8. This empowering event brings together accomplished entrepreneurs and industry experts to help women strengthen their financial confidence, grow profitable businesses, and create lasting wealth with practical, actionable strategies. If you're ready to think bigger about your business, income, and future, you won't want to miss it.

Join or learn more about the How-To Money Summit

Get to know :🌐 https://debdrummond.com

If this episode encourages you, please subscribe to Express Light, leave a review, and share it with a woman who's ready to step boldly into her next chapter. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to remind us that our biggest opportunities begin the moment we decide to show up.

In this episode of Express Light, I sit down with life coach and endurance-running advocate Pam Matula of Intentional Butterfly Coaching. From a quiet introverted accountant to marathon finisher and coach for other introverted CPAs, book keepers and financial career individuals, Pam shares how her running journey taught her the power of goal-setting, boldness, and alignment with purpose.

We dive into:

• How finishing a 26-mile race parallels finishing your vision in business.

• Why the quiet, steady disciplines matter when you’re building a creative venture.

• How to turn your career and your calling into one aligned journey—faith, business, and community all integrated.
  Whether you’re a crafter, hobbyist looking to start a business, or a creative woman in the making — this episode will inspire you to lace up, step out, and start moving with intention.
  Tune in, grab your journal, and get ready to run your race with purpose.

  Connect with Pam further here: https://www.intentionalbutterflycoaching.com/

  #ExpressLightPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #WomenWithPurpose #RunYourRace #IntentionalButterflyCoaching #ChristianEntrepreneur

In this episode of Express Light, I sit down with life coach and endurance-running advocate Pam Matula of Intentional Butterfly Coaching. From a quiet introverted accountant to marathon finisher and coach for other introverted CPAs, bookkeepers, and financial career path individuals, Pam shares how her running journey taught her the power of goal-setting, boldness, and alignment with purpose.

We dive into:

• How finishing a 26-mile race parallels finishing your vision in business.

• Why the quiet, steady disciplines matter when you’re building a creative venture.

• How to turn your career and your calling into one aligned journey—faith, business, and community all integrated.
  Whether you’re a crafter, hobbyist looking to start a business, or a creative woman in the making — this episode will inspire you to lace up, step out, and start moving with intention.
  Tune in, grab your journal, and get ready to run your race with purpose.

  Visit more with Pam here: https://www.intentionalbutterflycoaching.com/

  Deep dive on living with intention by downloading your FREE journal here: https://focus.marileesdesigns.com/

  #WomenWithPurpose #FaithAndBusiness #GoalSetting #RunYourRace #IntentionalButterflyCoaching

  
  

  
  

What happens when business meets divine alignment? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with speaker, mentor, and purpose coach Wendy Watson to talk about the heart of community, spiritual alignment, and what it really means to build a business rooted in knowing who you are.

We discuss how staying connected to what you believe has shapes success, why true community is the foundation of growth, and how women can blend strategy with spirit without losing themselves in the hustle.

✨ If you’ve been craving clarity, deeper connection, and a reminder that your business can serve both purpose and people—this episode will speak straight to your heart.

#ExpressLightPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #WomenWithPurpose #SpiritualAlignment

What happens when business meets divine alignment? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with speaker, mentor, and purpose coach Wendy Watson to talk about the heart of community, spiritual alignment, and what it really means to build a business rooted in knowing who you are.

We discuss how staying connected to what you believe has shapes success, why true community is the foundation of growth, and how women can blend strategy with spirit without losing themselves in the hustle.

✨ If you’ve been craving clarity, deeper connection, and a reminder that your business can serve both purpose and people—this episode will speak straight to your heart.

#ExpressLightPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #WomenWithPurpose #SpiritualAlignment

✨ What happens when life breaks you open—but instead of falling apart, you rise stronger? In this heartfelt episode of Express Light, I sit down with life coach and host of Unshakeable Belief, Monica Connolly. Monica shares her deeply personal journey through tragedy, self-doubt, and the hard moments that could’ve stopped her—but didn’t. Together, we talk about what it really takes to step out of your comfort zone, challenge your old identity, and boldly become who you were always meant to be.

If you’ve ever wrestled with insecurity, felt stuck in your past, or questioned if you’re really made for more—this conversation will speak right to your soul. Get ready to feel seen, stirred, and strengthened to take your next step.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mickey Okeson—a woman of unwavering strength and faith—as she shares her incredible journey of healing, redemption, and resilience. From walking through the heartbreak of abortion to finding Christ and embracing the calling of motherhood, Mickey opens up about the battles she faced and the grace that met her in every chapter.

She vulnerably recounts the journey of raising five children, including her son who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis—a diagnosis that came with devastating odds. But God had a different plan. Today, that same son is not only thriving but competing in a marathon, defying every expectation.

Mickey’s story reminds us that brokenness doesn’t have the final say. Redemption does. And with God, healing is possible, purpose is restored, and miracles still happen.

This is more than a story—it’s a testimony. One that will stir your heart, renew your hope, and remind you that no matter your past, you’re never too far from God’s grace.