The Business You Really Want

The Business You Really Want

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to grow your business without sacrificing what matters most to you? Welcome to The Business You Really Want: the show for women who are ready to build a sustainable, fulfilling business aligned with their values. Join Gwen Bortner, a seasoned business advisor with over 35 years of cross-industry experience in operations, and Tonya Kubo, marketing strategist and online community builder, as they share their unique, holistic approach to entrepreneurial success. Each episode is packed with practical strategies, real-life examples, and empowering insights to help you navigate the challenges of running a values-driven business. Leverage your strengths, optimize your operations, and create a business that lights you up and allows you to make a meaningful impact. Subscribe to the show and make sure to stay in touch at TheBusinessYouReallyWant.com, where we share our favorite business-building resources and updates on upcoming events designed to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Episodes

July 1, 2025 37 mins

Is the relentless pressure to scale up suffocating your entrepreneurial spirit? Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo challenge the "bigger is better" narrative, diving deep into why strategically staying small might be your greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, they dismantle the scale-or-die myth, exploring how limiting your business size can lead to premium pricing, unparalleled quality, and the elusive work-life balance you cr...

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Feeling drained by forcing yourself into rigid business models is a clear sign you're working against your own nature, and in this episode, co-hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo are flipping the script to focus on building your company around your natural strengths. Gwen and Tonya delve deep into why many e...

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High-touch services are experiencing a powerful resurgence, and after years of prioritizing scale, many are seeking deeper, more personalized client connections. In this episode, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss this trend. They explore why the 'one-size-fits-all' model might be falling short and discuss whether chasing the latest trend aligns with the business you really want. Gwen and Tonya share invaluable insights on navigat...

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June 10, 2025 40 mins

Ready to ditch the dusty business books gathering dust on your shelf? In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise to reveal the top business books that actually changed how we operate. Forget those towering to-be-read piles; we're sharing the titles that led to real shifts and actionable strategies, even if you never pick up the book yourself. Whether you're a voracious reader or struggle ...

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Feeling like your entrepreneurial success is just a facade, masking a deep sense of burnout? This episode dives into the often-hidden epidemic of entrepreneurial burnout, exploring the disconnect between external achievement and internal well-being. In this candid conversation, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo

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While everyone's buzzing about business collaborations and partnerships as the golden ticket to growth, achieving a true win-win isn't always as simple as it seems. In this episode, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo, seasoned internet veterans and business strategists, cut through the noise to reveal the essential elements of successful collaborations versus formal partnerships. Gwen, with her meticulous approach and operational expertis...

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Navigating the world of business support can feel like a minefield; are you looking for a coach, consultant, or advisor, and what's the real difference anyway? In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner engage in a lively, no-holds-barred discussion that cuts through the confusion. Gwen breaks down the nuances between these roles, helping you determine exactly what support your business needs to thrive. They dive into real-world ...

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The comparison trap is a sneaky beast, isn't it? It whispers doubts in your ear while you scroll through seemingly "perfect" businesses online, making you question your own path. In this candid episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner dive headfirst into this all-too-common pitfall for entrepreneurs, especially women. We're pulling back the curtain on those curated social media feeds to reveal the ...

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Feeling like your business commitments are running you instead of the other way around? It's time to tackle the biggest business bottleneck most entrepreneurs overlook: the commitments themselves. In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner wrap up their "Simplify to Amplify" series by dissecting the four types of...

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Streamlining business operations isn't just about efficiency—it's about reclaiming your time and sanity! In this episode, Tonya Kubo dives deep into the art of simplifying business processes with the brilliant business advisor, Gwen Bortner. Together, they unravel the mystery of how processes get tangled over time, leaving you with a web of workflows that drain energy and confuse your team. Gwen shares her no-nonsense insights on a...

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Offering simplification and the principle of simplify to amplify aren't just buzzwords; they're the keys to unlocking greater profits and a less stressful business. In this episode, Tonya Kubo and business advisor Gwen Bortner dive deep into how to streamline your products and services. Gwen shares her expertise on why the common belief that "more choices are better"...

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Are you constantly adding new tools, services, and systems—only to feel like you're working harder with less to show for it? In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner introduce the Simplify to Amplify series, challenging the idea that more is always better. They explore why businesses tend to drift toward unsustainable complexity, how simplifying can actually incr...

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Transforming how clients see your business can be the difference between short-term projects and long-term partnerships. In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner dive into the critical shift from being just another service provider to becoming a strategic partner. Gwen shares her experience in fostering client relationships that last for years—without contracts o...

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The most satisfied clients aren’t the ones you bend over backward for—they’re the ones who work with businesses that have clear boundaries. If you’re constantly scrambling to meet last-minute client requests, dealing with never-ending projects, or struggling with scope creep, it’s time to rethink how you set boundaries. In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner ex...

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March 25, 2025 42 mins

Staying within your scope of business is not necessarily bad, but it hinders you from unlocking bigger opportunities found beyond your niche. Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss how you can get out of your business echo chamber and experience growth you cannot achieve within your comfort zone. They discuss why you should not be afraid to ask questions, even if they s...

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Are you maxing out trying to maximize profits in your business? Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo are here to flip the script. They offer a refreshing perspective on achieving sustainable success without maxing yourself out. They explore the hidden costs of underpricing and overwork, providing practical strategies for right-sizing your business model and optimizing your pr...

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Tired of receiving bad business advice that just doesn't fit? Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo are throwing a lifeline to business owners sick of the same old, useless platitudes. They're ripping apart the “guru” playbook, expos...

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Does more revenue always mean more profit? Not necessarily! The profit paradox explains how scaling a business can sometimes reduce profitability. Join Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo as they dissect this counterintuitive phenomenon, where hitting that coveted seven-figure mark can actually lead to less money in your pocket. They dive deep into the hidden costs of scalin...

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The struggle is real: the implementation gap, that frustrating space between knowing what to do and actually doing it, plagues us all. Join Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo as they dissect the implementation gap, exploring why k...

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Most entrepreneurs have tried all kinds of time management systems but still fail to keep up with their long list of priorities. If this approach is ineffective, perhaps paying more attention to energy management is the key. Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner explore the many reasons why energy matters more than time, as well as the often-ignored relationship between the two. They explain why understanding one’...

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