#33 - From Hustle to Sustainability: Introducing the Four Entrepreneurial Types

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#33 - From Hustle to Sustainability: Introducing the Four Entrepreneurial Types

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi introduces the Four Entrepreneurial Types—Hustling Entrepreneur, Distracted Entrepreneur, Emerging CEO, and Sustainable CEO—and explains how identifying your type can help you create a business that’s both profitable and sustainable. Stephanie also shares why she’s shifting the podcast to a seasonal format, embracing cycles and rhythms that support focus, flow, and long-term success. Whether you’re feeling stuck in hustle mode, overwhelmed by too many ideas, or ready to step into a CEO mindset, this episode offers fresh insight on how to move from burnout to balance.

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#29 - From Fear to Flow: How Entrepreneurs Build Confidence

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In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores what it really means to "do it scared"—to take bold action even when confidence is nowhere in sight. Drawing inspiration from a weekend of meaningful experiences, Stephanie unpacks how these moments reveal powerful truths about entrepreneurship.

She dives into the psychology of confidence, including:

  • Why confidence is a skill and not a prerequisite.

  • The Confidence Loop framework: how action, not belief, leads to results and growth.

  • Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory and four key sources that help you believe in yourself.

  • The vital role of community, encouragement, and commitment when taking risks in business.

If you’ve been waiting to feel more confident before launching, promoting, or making a big move in your business, this episode is a reminder: confidence grows after the leap.

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#28: Time for a Spring Reset in Your Business?

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#28: Time for a Spring Reset in Your Business?

How to Hit Reset on Your Business Without Starting Over

Spring is a powerful season of renewal — and it might be the perfect time for a reset in your business. In this episode, Stephanie explores why so many entrepreneurs find themselves feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure about what’s really moving the needle by Q2 — and what to do about it.

You’ll learn how to recognize signs that you might need a reset and hear four specific business scenarios that call for a strategic pause and pivot. Whether you're juggling too many offers, contemplating a pivot, stuck in stagnant revenue, or overly reliant on one client, Stephanie walks you through what a reset can look like — and how to move forward with clarity, focus, and action.

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#27: The Two Missing Ingredients for Sustainable Business Growth

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#27: The Two Missing Ingredients for Sustainable Business Growth

Feeling stuck in your business? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs find themselves caught between hustling non-stop without seeing results or feeling distracted by endless ideas but struggling to follow through. In this episode, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi unpacks why this happens—and what you can do to get back on track.  

Tune in to discover the two missing ingredients  that can help you move forward with clarity and momentum. Plus, Stephanie shares an exciting new opportunity designed to support entrepreneurs in creating sustainable success without burnout. Don’t miss it!

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#26: The 3 Biggest Traps Keeping Entrepreneurs Stuck (And What to Do About It!)

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#26: The 3 Biggest Traps Keeping Entrepreneurs Stuck (And What to Do About It!)

Feeling stuck in your business, exhausted from juggling endless tasks, and unsure if you're making real progress? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs unknowingly fall into hidden traps that keep them spinning their wheels—traps that drain energy, stall growth, and leave them wondering if success is even possible. But what if breaking free wasn’t as complicated as it seems?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on three of the biggest obstacles holding entrepreneurs back—and revealing practical shifts that can make all the difference. Whether it's escaping the loneliness of entrepreneurship, cutting through the noise to focus on what really moves the needle, or finally shifting from reactive chaos to a proactive, sustainable strategy, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights. Tune in to discover the mindset shifts and strategies that will help you step into a more focused, empowered, and successful version of your business.

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#25: Now is the Time to Double Down on Your Business

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#25: Now is the Time to Double Down on Your Business

After a season of big personal transitions, I’m back—and more committed than ever to strengthening this entrepreneurial community. In this episode, I talk about why, in uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for entrepreneurs to lean in, stay connected, and focus on building sustainable businesses. I also share what’s next, including my Focus + Flowprogram, designed to help you move from overwhelm to clarity with the right strategy, support, and community.

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#24: The Power of 90 Days: Why Short-Term Focus Leads to Long-Term Success

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#24: The Power of 90 Days: Why Short-Term Focus Leads to Long-Term Success

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores the power of focusing on a 90-day timeframe for achieving business goals. She emphasizes that this short-term focus—often referred to as 90 days or three months or 12 weeks—can lead to significant long-term success. Drawing on insights from her favorite book, The 12 Week Year, Stephanie explains how setting clear, specific goals within this timeframe fosters clarity, direction, and adaptability.

Stephanie outlines three key benefits of a 90-day focus, offers practical steps for implementing a 90-day plan, including creating SMART goals and developing an actionable timeline that breaks down tasks week by week. Throughout the episode, Stephanie encourages listeners to visualize their progress 90 days from now and invites them to consider what one key focus they can adopt to propel their business forward.

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#23: 10 Questions to Help You Find Your Focus in Your Business

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#23: 10 Questions to Help You Find Your Focus in Your Business

On this episode host, Stephanie Malon-Rufi, dives deep into one of the most crucial aspects of entrepreneurship—finding focus. If you're an entrepreneur who feels pulled in multiple directions, wears too many hats, or finds it hard to narrow down on the one thing that will move the needle in your business, this episode is for you. Stephanie shares 10 powerful questions that will help you gain clarity and determine where to focus your energy for at least 90 days. With so many ideas, inspiration, and tasks coming at you, it’s easy to feel scattered. But real business growth requires focus, traction, and momentum—something that can only happen when you prioritize.

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#22 The Secret to Sustainable Business Growth: Why Focus Matters More Than Hustle

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#22 The Secret to Sustainable Business Growth: Why Focus Matters More Than Hustle

In this episode of the Spark Good podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi discusses the critical role of self-care in business strategy, emphasizing its importance for long-term sustainability and success. She discusses how integrating these practices from day one can help prevent burnout and foster resilience, creativity, and a positive work culture. Drawing inspiration from books like "Do Less" by Kate Northrup and "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson, Stephanie highlights how small, consistent actions contribute to overall well-being and business performance. She provides practical tips about how entrepreneurs can  incorporate self-care into their daily routines, ultimately enhancing their leadership, vision, and innovation capabilities.

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#21: Why Prioritizing Self-Care Fuels Business Success

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#21: Why Prioritizing Self-Care Fuels Business Success

In this episode of the Spark Good podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi discusses the critical role of self-care in business strategy, emphasizing its importance for long-term sustainability and success. She discusses how integrating these practices from day one can help prevent burnout and foster resilience, creativity, and a positive work culture. Drawing inspiration from books like "Do Less" by Kate Northrup and "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson, Stephanie highlights how small, consistent actions contribute to overall well-being and business performance. She provides practical tips about how entrepreneurs can  incorporate self-care into their daily routines, ultimately enhancing their leadership, vision, and innovation capabilities.

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#20: 6 Key Questions to Refine Your Business Offers

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#20: 6 Key Questions to Refine Your Business Offers

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores the fundamental questions every business owner should ask themselves to refine their offerings and maximize impact. Through a systematic breakdown of six key questions—Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How—Stephanie guides listeners in understanding their target audience, defining their unique value proposition, and optimizing their sales and delivery processes. Drawing from her own experiences, she illustrates the practical application of these questions in shaping her business offerings. By encouraging listeners to engage with these questions, Stephanie empowers entrepreneurs to align their businesses with meaningful causes, foster positive social change, and ultimately, spark good in the world.

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#18: From Awareness to Action: Transforming Your Entrepreneurial Path

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#18: From Awareness to Action: Transforming Your Entrepreneurial Path

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores the vital role of self-awareness in entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," Stephanie underscores the importance of habitual actions in achieving business goals and emphasizes the foundational role of self-awareness in behavior change. She unpacks the concept of self-awareness, highlighting its relevance to understanding personal values, leadership styles, and resource allocation. Through practical strategies such as personality assessments, ongoing learning, and seeking feedback, Stephanie guides listeners in cultivating self-awareness for enhanced decision-making and alignment with business objectives. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace self-awareness as a catalyst for positive change and to continue fostering growth in both personal and professional domains.

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#17: 10 Ways to Stay Focused and Accountable to Your Quarterly Business Goals

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#17: 10 Ways to Stay Focused and Accountable to Your Quarterly Business Goals

In this episode we explore staying accountable to quarterly business goals. With a wealth of experience in coaching business owners toward sustainable and impactful ventures, Stephanie shares invaluable insights and practical strategies to ensure goal attainment. From the importance of physically writing down goals to scheduling regular reviews, keeping goals visible, and utilizing digital tools for tracking progress, Stephanie offers 10 ideas for how to stay both focused and accountable to your business goals on a consistent basis. With her expertise and passion for sparking good through business, Stephanie inspires listeners to take actionable steps towards realizing their goals and making a positive impact in the world.

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#16: Quarterly Planning Essentials: Building Your Business Roadmap

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#16: Quarterly Planning Essentials: Building Your Business Roadmap

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi walks through the indispensable practice of quarterly planning for business success. She emphasizes the transition from an entrepreneurial mindset to embracing the role of a visionary leader, highlighting how quarterly planning serves as a crucial tool in this evolution. Stephanie underscores the significance of quarterly planning in refining business strategies, maintaining focus, and avoiding the frantic pace often associated with end-of-year rushes.  Throughout the episode, Stephanie outlines a practical framework for quarterly planning, encompassing four key stages: reflection, planning, execution, and support.

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#15: 7 Strategies to Escape the Entrepreneurial Hamster Wheel

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#15: 7 Strategies to Escape the Entrepreneurial Hamster Wheel

In this episode, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi discusses the phenomenon known as being on the hamster wheel, a state all too familiar to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a keen eye for identifying the subtle signs of this relentless cycle, Stephanie explains how this shows up for business owners.  From reactive decision-making to a loss of passion and purpose, she outlines seven key indicators that signal one's entrapment within this exhausting pattern.

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#14: Strategic Choices: Mastering Decision-Making in Business

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#14: Strategic Choices: Mastering Decision-Making in Business

In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi shares the intricacies of decision-making in business, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate this essential aspect of entrepreneurship. Stephanie explores the multitude of decisions entrepreneurs face daily, from operational choices to strategic planning, emphasizing the staggering volume of decisions individuals make on a subconscious level. She discusses the challenges inherent in decision fatigue and analysis paralysis, shedding light on the pitfalls that can impede progress. 

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