Business as UNusual

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila chats with Sean Olson, founder of Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, about his unique path from Emmy-winning journalist to top-rated trial lawyer. Sean shares how storytelling drives his approach to justice, the challenges clients face in an intimidating legal system, and how his firm levels the playing field against big corporations and insurers. Tune in to discover the unconventiona...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, culture expert and Better Culture co-founder Brett Hogeveen joins Aicila for an insightful conversation about the measurable business impact of workplace culture. Brett shares actionable strategies for building competitive advantage by prioritizing both top-down leadership and bottom-up employee engagement. Discover practical tips to improve retention, productivity, and fulfillment in your bu...

In this final episode of our energizing Business as UNusual four-part series, host Aicila shares unconventional strategies for creating a business plan that’s energy-aligned, flexible, and built to last. Drawing from her workshops and hands-on experience, Aicila reveals how to set intentions, develop actionable metrics, and adapt your workflow to the realities of change in business. Learn how a holistic approach—integrating your en...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila interviews Meg Thomas Crosby, co-founder of People Cap Advisors and author of the book "Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders." Meg shares her expertise on aligning organizational structure with business strategy, the importance of context for leadership, and how to scale companies sustainably through different stages of growth. Discover Meg’s proven fram...

In this energizing episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila guides entrepreneurs through designing a business that fuels itself—without burnout. Discover how to organize work around your energy, elevate creativity, foster impactful connections, and build self-sustaining momentum. Gain actionable steps for transforming draining routines into revitalizing practices, and learn why ease—not struggle—is the secret ingredient behind t...

In this solo episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives deep into the often-overlooked element of business success: energy management. Instead of just chasing financial returns, Aicila invites you to audit both your energetic and financial investments using her unique Resource Calculator. Discover how to spot what fuels you—and what drains you—to build sustainable growth and avoid burnout. This episode is ideal for entrepren...

In this conversation packed with unconventional insights, host Aicila welcomes Grace Najean—transformational leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and former Tony Robbins master coach—to Business as UNusual. Grace shares her Soulfluence Method and explains why true leadership, especially in today’s fast-paced world, demands more than just strategy—it requires energy, alignment, and soul. If you’re looking for innovative ways to t...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores why energy—not just time and money—should be a key resource in business planning. Learn why successful entrepreneurs need to intentionally cultivate momentum, creativity, and connection to fuel productivity and innovation. Discover practical strategies and frameworks to identify energy leaks, optimize workflows, and thrive as an intentional, energized entrepreneur. If you...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives into the world of unconventional coaching with Autumn Wade, the force behind Coaches & Dragons. Autumn, your inner rebel’s favorite coach, shares how she merges tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) with life and business coaching to help clients hunt inner gremlins and escape feeling stuck. Discover actionable strategies for choosing the right coach, trusting yourself, an...

On this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Faith Clarke, founder of Work Ecosystems for Humans, to unpack how designing for belonging and collaborative leadership transforms workplaces. Faith—an organizational culture and teamwork specialist, with a unique background as a Caribbean immigrant and mother of neurodistinct children—shares how inclusive, values-driven environments unleash authentic engagement and...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with fundraising thought leader Jeff Schreifels, principal and owner of Veritus Group, to unpack innovative donor relationship strategies for modern nonprofits. Jeff brings over 30 years of experience elevating organizations like St. Jude’s and United Way, focusing on building genuine connections, investing across the donor pipeline, and fostering long-term impact. This ...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Daniel Nikic, founder of Cohres and an investment research professional with over two decades of experience. Daniel discusses the crucial differences between investment research and investment firms, shares insights into risk for startups and VCs, and reveals how private equity can both help and harm companies. In this thought-provoking conversation, Daniel also tackles t...

On this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Liz Hansen, owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography. Liz shares her journey of creating a business dedicated to empowering women to celebrate their bodies and stories through boudoir photography. With over 2,000 women photographed and numerous recognitions—including features on TEDx and NPR—Liz discusses how her unconventional approach transforms perce...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Meg K. Wheeler, CPA, financial educator, and founder of the Equitable Money Project. Meg shares her experience helping marginalized business owners reclaim financial power, build generational wealth, and rethink the profit-driven model through a justice-centered lens. Discover actionable strategies for sustainable business growth, financial well-being, and systemic impact...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores the critical difference between authentic connection energy and people pleasing in business relationships. She discusses how true connection is rooted in mutual presence, reciprocity, and alignment—never in perpetual accessibility or self-sacrifice. Hear practical strategies for setting boundaries, fueling your work without burning out, and building collaborations that en...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives deep with Padideh Jafari, Esq, founder and CEO of Jafari Law and Mediation Office. Padideh is a seasoned family law attorney known for her psychology-based approach to divorce, mediation, and abuse recovery. From navigating complex cases to co-hosting a popular podcast on narcissistic abuse, Padideh shares her unconventional strategies for leading with empathy, setting bound...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with celebrated Canadian artist and entrepreneur Tim Packer to explore how unconventional thinking, discipline, and business savvy can turn creativity into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Tim shares his journey from police detective to renowned artist, revealing the real strategies that break the starving artist myth. Artists and business leaders alike will learn why ...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with MC Laubscher—bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor, and host of the Cash Flow Ninja podcast. MC reveals why 99% of standard financial advice is wrong for business owners, shares simple frameworks to demystify wealth-building, and uncovers the alternative strategies that help entrepreneurs take control, multiply their wealth, and create real financial freedom. ...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Melissa Snow, founder of the Powerful Women Rising Community and business relationship strategist, to discuss authentic networking for women entrepreneurs. Melissa shares how her journey as a coach led her to empower women to grow their businesses through genuine connections rather than outdated, transactional networking models. Listen for innovative frameworks, actionabl...