Business as UNusual

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...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Evante Daniels, a cultural physicist, strategist, and author, to unpack the game-changing ideas behind "cultural physics." Discover how Daniels’ unique background―working with global brands, political campaigns, and pioneering media analysis―shapes his approach to cultural intelligence, collective consciousness, and the real power of effective communication across t...

On this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Brent—also known as Realm Seeker—a postgraduate psychology student turned multidisciplinary creator. Brent dives deep into the world of creative flow, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of solo RPG worldbuilding as both an art form and personal growth tool. They discuss practical ways to align your creative work with your inner values, rather than chasing external...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores the critical difference between focusing on your goals and fixating on them—a game changer for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Discover actionable strategies to reorient your attention, leverage intention over rigid solutions, and build momentum through daily processes. Whether you’re aiming for location independence, growing your revenue, or tackling your next big mi...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcome David Silverman, acclaimed screenwriter, TV producer, and Stanford-educated psychotherapist. Silverman shares his unconventional journey from psychology to Hollywood, breaking down the mindset, resilience, and creative strategies that helped him co-create series like The Wild Thornberries and author "How to Be a Rock Star Screenwriter." Discover how embracing the human con...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Shez Mehra, an award-winning creative entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of 194 Group. Together, they explore the powerful impact of sonic branding, the importance of audio strategy for businesses of all sizes, and how intentional sound design can transform customer experience and boost brand recall. Whether you’re an established enterprise or a solopreneur, discover why innov...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Ines O'Donovan, PhD—also known as the Ageless Futurist and founder of Jeunessima Magazine—to dive deep into the science and strategy of slowing biological aging for entrepreneurs. Ines shares practical tips for boosting vitality and performance, debunks aging myths, and reveals how optimizing sleep, stress, and energy sets leaders apart in today’s competitive landsc...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Jaime Araujo, vintner and founder of Trois Noix, a Certified B Corp wine company in Napa Valley. Jaime’s unique path—growing up in a renowned winemaking family, spending years in Europe, and ultimately returning to Napa to blaze her own trail—is a testament to challenging convention in the wine industry. Jaime shares how she uses community, social change, and transp...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores how entrepreneurs can reignite their momentum energy and navigate the hidden friction points that stall progress. Aicila unpacks the psychology behind procrastination, the difference between motivation and momentum, and why burnout is often misunderstood as laziness. Discover unconventional strategies for building sustainable, energy-aware workflows that fuel your busines...

In this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila explores the concept of "connection energy" and uncovers why so many business owners and leaders feel disconnected—even while appearing engaged online. In a world running on technology and visibility, we dive deep into how true, nourishing connections power both personal and professional communities. Discover strategies to restore your connection energy, set healthier boundaries, and f...