Business as UNusual
Standard business advice assumes you want to grind. You’d rather build something that lasts and still have a life. Business as UNusual is hosted by Aicila, a strategist with a soft spot for founders who do it their own way and do it well. Guests share the unconventional practices behind businesses built for people, planet, and profit. Along the way, Aicila maps it all back to the Energy Equation™ (Momentum, Creative, and Connection energy) so you can figure out what’s fueling you and what’s quietly draining the tank. Come for the stories and find a rhythm you can actually keep. BiCurean.com/bau Check out out books mentioned on the show- https://bookshop.org/lists/business-books-for-folks-breaking-the-mold/edit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
This episode of Business as UNusual unpacks the art of frugality in business, focusing on how intentional resource use can drive sustainable success. Explore the principle of "spending every dollar twice," the value of time as a non-renewable resource, and the power of evaluating what you already have. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, discover why adopting strategic frugality leads to more innovative and resili...
This episode of Business as UNusual delves into the unexpected benefits of chaos in business and personal organization. Explore why structure and disruption go hand-in-hand, and learn innovative strategies to manage the unpredictable. Discover how creative leaders and organizers can leverage chaos for breakthrough insights, building on the idea that standing out sometimes starts with letting go.
Topics discussed in this episode:
...This episode of Business as UNusual dives into the insidious nature of hyperindividualism and its impact on the modern business landscape. Explore why the celebrated “do it yourself” mentality isn’t just unrealistic. It may be harmful. Discover how interdependence, rather than relentless self-reliance, leads to stronger businesses, healthier leaders, and more innovative teams.
Topics discussed in this episode:
<...In this episode of Business as UNusual, we explore the unexpected value of small talk in building authentic connections in our ever-evolving business landscape. The conversation dives into the psychology behind casual interactions, why we crave shared experiences, and how these small moments create stronger business communities—even in a world that prizes innovation and disruption.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- The ...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila explores the unconventional "play to lose" strategy as a powerful tool for overcoming fear of failure in business and creative problem-solving. Drawing inspiration from childhood cribbage games, Aicila shares insights on how intentionally mapping out failure can spark creative breakthroughs, uncover blind spots, and boost resilience in the fast-changing world of modern business.
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This episode of Business as UNusual dives into the real-life challenges women face around risk, expertise, and overcoming imposter syndrome in the modern business world. The conversation focused on why taking action—rather than waiting to feel fully prepared—builds lasting confidence and leads to meaningful learning experiences. The episode uses the metaphor “a recipe isn’t bread” to explore how genuin...
This week on Business as UNusual, sustainability expert and author John Pabon returns to discuss his latest book, "Strategic Sustainability: A Pragmatic Blueprint for Responsible Business." We tackle how companies can make real, lasting impact by breaking through jargon, avoiding greenwashing, and embedding sustainability into core business strategy. Discover actionable insights for business leaders and changemakers seeking to driv...
This episode of Business as UNusual dives into strategies for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs to harmonize work with the natural shifts in creative and social energy that come with summer. Learn how unconventional planning and honoring your energy rhythms can lead to better productivity and personal well-being, rather than feeling torn between getting work done and enjoying the season.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Why tra...
In this special mid-year episode of Business as UNusual, the conversation focused on the gap between initial goal-setting and current reality. Reflecting on the evolving energy and priorities that shape business outcomes, the discussion explored unconventional approaches to assessing progress, learning from new opportunities, and celebrating unexpected wins. Listeners are invited to rethink success by tuning into their energy and e...
This episode dives into the art of staying ready for unexpected opportunities in business, even when you don’t think you’re preparing. Explore how building and trusting your baseline—rather than obsessively optimizing—makes it possible to say yes when the right moment arrives. Learn how maintaining everyday habits, building the right team, and recognizing your own threshold empowers you in the ever-evolving ...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Maureen Gilbert—author, entrepreneur, and business acquisition mentor—shares how she walked away from a conventional, picture-perfect life to design success on her terms. We dig into innovative strategies for business ownership, breaking free from traditional systems, and the powerful ways women can build financial and time freedom. Maureen's story and practical tips help listener...
On this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila dives into disruptive podcast marketing with Chloe Williamson, podcast marketing strategist at Interview Valet. Chloe shares actionable insights for business leaders, brands, and health & wellness professionals eager to use long-form podcasting to drive true connection and visibility. Discover how to find your real audience, leverage podcasts for evergreen marketing, and why downlo...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Speaker A dives deep into the myths around solo success in business, challenging the idea that working alone is a sign of strength. Instead, Speaker A highlights how genuine community, accountability, and friction lead to stronger leadership, better decisions, and sustainable energy. Unpack the differences between simply building a network and cultivating your own "Justice League"—and w...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila challenges the traditional notion of productivity and dives into the difference between a life that’s full versus one that’s truly fulfilling. Drawing on personal insights and cultural observations, they explore why so many independent professionals and entrepreneurs carry corporate work habits into new ventures, and how the orientation toward work shapes not only business ...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila challenges the classic lone genius narrative that dominates entrepreneurship. Inspired by a Monty Python moment, Aicila unpacks the hidden pitfalls of self-sufficiency, explores the critical importance of connection energy, and offers fresh strategies for founders who are ready to trade burnout for breakthrough growth. Discover why letting go can be the most powerful move you make...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores the impact of advanced AI and automation on the workplace, shedding light on what technology can—and can’t—replace in the world of connection, trust, and meaning. Drawing from thought leaders like Will Poskett and referencing insights from Ethan Decker, Aicila asks listeners to reconsider what makes businesses truly irreplaceable and how the renewed hung...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila reflects on the whimsical beginnings of the Internet and how our focus has shifted from genuine connection to chasing scale and metrics. She explores the roots of connection energy, how optimizing for the right things can transform your work, and why depth and value matter more than ever for innovative leaders. Tune in to learn how embracing the unconventional can set your business apa...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, we dive deep with Erin Snow, founder of The Unmuted Room, into how authentic listening unlocks innovation and clarity for leaders and teams. Erin draws on her 16 years as a legal advocate and her journey building a space designed for women to speak freely and reconnect with their voices. Explore how privacy, vulnerability, and truly being heard drive transformative business practices. Perfect...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, Aicila dives deep into the critical but overlooked phase after intense sprints in business. This episode addresses why resetting after a push is essential for sustainable momentum, creativity, and connection, and how ignoring the need for recovery can trap entrepreneurs in a perpetual crisis loop. Learn actionable strategies for recognizing urgency, setting hard stops, and managing your energ...
In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores the connections between myth, business transformation, and entrepreneurial purpose. Using the selkie myth from Celtic folklore, Aicila reveals how entrepreneurs often lose touch with their original inspiration and what it takes to reconnect and reignite innovation. This engaging solo episode delves into the energy core, personal motivation, and the subtle drifts that can...
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