Oct 5

Oct 5 636: Capture Ideas without Overthinking

What if your blank notebook became the engine of your business growth? Collin shares the two phrases he writes in every notebook—“Nothing doesn’t go in here” and “The first page is profound”—to defeat perfectionism and capture ideas without judgment. He explains why our brains are processors, not hard drives, and how offloading thoughts reduces mental fatigue. Drawing on James Dyson’s 5,000+ prototypes, he shows how creativity thrives through small, physical iterations. Finally, he gives a simple cadence: capture daily, review weekly, and treat the page as a workspace—not a performance.

Sep 24

Sep 24 633: Leadership Starts with Listening with Abby Strong

Collin

What does it take to transition your team from independent contractors to employees? Abby Strong, owner of Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting, returns to share how she nurtured a strong, supportive company culture while navigating major changes. She discusses the motivation behind dropping overnight services, onboarding employees with intention, and creating space for growth within her team. Abby also talks about the importance of feedback, both from clients and staff, and how being vulnerable as a leader builds trust. This episode is filled with practical advice for pet business owners ready to scale with purpose.

Sep 8

Sep 8 628: Recovering from a Bad Hire

Collin

What happens when the excitement of growing your team turns into the disappointment of a bad hire? In this episode, we explore why failed hires sting so deeply, from the personal investment of time and trust to the disruption it causes clients, pets, and team morale. We share how rushing to replace too quickly can compound mistakes, while ignoring red flags or skipping feedback loops leaves you vulnerable to repeat issues. While every bad hire feels discouraging, it doesn’t have to define your business or your leadership. By giving yourself space to grieve, reviewing the clues left behind, strengthening your hiring funnel, and communicating transparently with your team, you can recover with resilience and make smarter, more confident hires in the future.

Jul 21

Jul 21 614: How to Listen Instead of React

Collin

Business owners often feel compelled to defend every policy and decision. We share a recent incident that brought that into sharp focus. We explore why learning to observe rather than react is a skill worth cultivating. From dealing with difficult client feedback to navigating aggressive Facebook comments, we share some personal stories and hard-earned lessons in restraint. Observation leads to better leadership, stronger boundaries, and a healthier business culture. Remember, not everything deserves a reply—sometimes the best response is no response at all.

Feb 5

Feb 5 567: Fostering Premium Experiences with Candace D’Agnolo

Collin

How do you create raving fans and deliver premium client experiences? In this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation dives into the art of fostering genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. She explores how personalized touches—like understanding client preferences and small acts of care—create lasting loyalty. Candace also discusses the benefits of using AI to enhance efficiency, the value of local collaborations, and actionable ways to surprise and delight clients without breaking the bank. If you're looking to elevate your business and stand out in a competitive market, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

Jul 21

Jul 21 197: Leadership of Self with Gila Kurtz

Collin

When most of us think about leadership, we tend to think of what it means to bring others together and work toward a common goal. However, leadership actually starts with leading ourselves. Self leadership is based on habit formation, discipline, and follow through. When we are self-aware enough to ask, ‘Who am I right now and who do I need to become?’, we start the process of growing and expanding ourselves. Gila Kurtz, dog trainer and owner of Dog Is Good, shares why self leadership is so important in pet care and what it means to overcome the limiting beliefs that hold us back. Gila shares why setting goals for ourselves can be so hard and recognize the need for growth. We also discuss how being better at self leadership makes us better at leading others.

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