The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

Building a Jewelry Brand That Empowers: Katia Design Founder on Finding Purpose

What does it take to build a purpose-driven jewelry brand that truly resonates with women, especially women over 40?
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Katia Rudnick, CEO and founder of Katia Designs, to discuss how she built a jewelry brand that strives to empower women through delivering positive messaging about their self-worth.
Katia shares how jewelry can become more than an accessory. It can serve as a daily reminder of confidence, strength, and positive self-talk. The conversation explores the emotional psychology behind wearable affirmations, the power of mindset for female entrepreneurs, and why women in midlife are redefining style, identity, and success.
You’ll also hear:
How Katia built a mission-driven jewelry company from scratch
Why women over 40 are an overlooked but powerful consumer audience
The connection between self-talk, confidence, and personal style
Lessons in female entrepreneurship and brand storytelling
What it takes to expand from direct-to-consumer into retail
If you’re a woman entrepreneur, founder, or anyone interested in empowerment brands, personal growth, or building a meaningful business — this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight.

Inside the World of Private Credit and Fraud Prevention with Cole Snell

What is private credit and why is it rapidly reshaping the financial landscape?
In this episode, Melissa Bill interviews Cole Snell, Founder and CEO of Real Private Credit, to unpack the rise of private lending, the growing threat of fraud, and the technology transforming how capital moves in today’s economy.
Cole explains how increased transparency, smarter infrastructure, and evolving regulations are helping democratize finance, opening new opportunities for small businesses while protecting investors. He also breaks down the real-world implications of UCC Articles 9 and 12, and why securing digital assets is becoming essential in modern lending.
Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, finance professional, or simply curious about where money is moving next, this episode delivers practical insight into one of the fastest-growing sectors in finance.
In this episode, you’ll learn:✔ Why private credit is booming✔ How lenders are combating fraud risk✔ The role of technology in transparent lending✔ What digital asset security means for the future of finance✔ How expanded access to capital can fuel business growth
Don't miss this episode as we take a deeper look into where the private credit industry is headed into 2026 and beyond. 
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How Cooperatives Are Reshaping the Economy — Insights from NCBA CEO Doug O’Brien

Are cooperatives the future of a more resilient and community-focused economy?
In this episode, Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association, breaks down the growing influence of cooperatives across industries and explains why this time-tested business model is gaining renewed attention in today’s unpredictable economic climate.
Doug shares how cooperatives empower communities, create long-term stability, and offer an alternative path to traditional profit-driven structures. He also explores the challenges these organizations face, the importance of advocacy and awareness, and the massive, untapped potential for cooperative growth in the years ahead.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, policymaker, or simply curious about innovative economic models, this conversation reveals why cooperatives could play a critical role in shaping the future of business.
👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:
What makes the cooperative model uniquely resilient
How cooperatives strengthen local economies
Why awareness is key to their expansion
The biggest misconceptions about cooperative businesses
What the future holds for this rapidly growing movement
If you're looking for fresh ideas about sustainable growth, economic stability, and people-first leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The Future of Higher Education: College President Hiram Chodosh on AI and Integrated Learning

What does the future of higher education look like in the age of artificial intelligence?
In this episode, Claremont McKenna College president Hiram Chodosh explores how AI is transforming the learning experience and why integrated, interdisciplinary education is becoming essential for student success. He shares his personal journey into academic leadership and explains how strong mentorship, high expectations, and institutional support can unlock student potential.
Chodosh also breaks down what today’s students need to thrive in an unpredictable job market, from real-world problem-solving skills to adaptive leadership abilities. As industries evolve and career paths become less linear, colleges must rethink how they prepare the next generation.
You’ll learn:
How AI is reshaping higher education
Why interdisciplinary learning is the future
The leadership skills students must develop now
How colleges can prepare graduates for career uncertainty
What the next decade of education may look like
Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into the rapidly changing world of learning, and how institutions can stay ahead.
 

The Longevity Blueprint: Secrets to Stress, Aging, and Living Your Best Life

In this inspiring episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Julia Brodska, founder of Best Lifing Retreats, bestselling author, and wellness expert, to explore what it truly means to live a healthy, vibrant life in today’s high-stress world.
Julia shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood to building a global wellness brand dedicated to helping others transform their lives from the inside out. Together, they unpack the science behind stress, aging, and resilience, revealing how intentional lifestyle changes can dramatically impact both personal and professional success.
The conversation dives into the immersive experiences offered through Best Lifing Retreats, where participants often see measurable results — including significant reductions in biological age. Julia explains why health is the foundation for everything we want to achieve and offers practical insights for anyone ready to prioritize longevity, energy, and overall well-being.
Whether you're feeling burned out, striving for peak performance, or simply looking to become your best self, this episode delivers the motivation and knowledge to help you take the next step.
Tune in to learn:
How stress accelerates aging — and what you can do about it
The connection between wellness and professional success
What biological age really means
How transformative retreats can reset your health
Why it’s never too late to redesign your life
Listen and follow for more tips for turning back the hands of time!
 
 
 

The Business Growth Whisperer: Brooke Lively on Money, AI, and Building Stronger Firms

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Lively, Founder of Cathcap Scaling Law, business growth whisperer, author, and trusted advisor, to unpack the financial and operational strategies that help law firms scale with confidence.
Brooke shares her unconventional path into the legal industry and explains why financial clarity is often the missing link between stagnation and sustainable growth. Together, they explore how identifying “friction points” inside a business can unlock efficiency, improve profitability, and strengthen leadership.
The conversation also dives into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in service-based industries and what firm leaders must understand now to remain competitive.
Brooke breaks down how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can transform law firms by aligning teams around a clear vision, attracting the right talent, and fostering a healthy workplace culture that supports long-term success.
Whether you're a law firm partner, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to scale smarter, this episode delivers practical insights you can put into action immediately.
Tune in to learn:
Why financial management is the foundation of growth
How to identify and eliminate operational friction
What AI means for the future of professional services
The core principles of EOS — and why they work
How culture and vision drive high-performing teams

From Burnout to Purpose: How Erica Carrico Built a Multimillion-Dollar Coaching Business

In this episode of Business Roundup, host Melissa Bill sits down with award-winning business success coach and author Erica Carrico to explore her inspiring journey from corporate recruitment to building a multimillion-dollar coaching business rooted in purpose.
Erica opens up about experiencing burnout, navigating serious health challenges, and making the courageous decision to pivot her career toward meaningful, purpose-driven work. She shares how those defining moments led her to help entrepreneurs gain clarity, align their businesses with their values, and create lasting success.
Listeners will also get an inside look at Erica’s book, Awake Your Purpose, which outlines a powerful 28-day framework designed to guide individuals through self-discovery and into aligned entrepreneurship. 
If you’re questioning your career path, craving more fulfillment, or ready to step into work that truly matters, this conversation offers both practical insight and powerful inspiration.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to recognize when burnout is signaling the need for change
Why purpose is the foundation of sustainable success
What it takes to pivot careers with confidence
The key steps to building an aligned, profitable business
How Erica’s 28-day process can help you uncover your true calling
Learn more about her new Mess To Millions podcast
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Freedom Mapping Explained: David King’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Clarity and Success

In this episode of Business Roundup, host Melissa Bill sits down with David King, a coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Freedom Mapping, to explore how entrepreneurs can move from frustration to clarity, purpose, and lasting fulfillment.
Drawing from his transition out of management consulting, David shares why many high-performing professionals struggle with leadership, communication, and emotional awareness despite their technical expertise. He introduces his Freedom Mapping process, a powerful framework designed to help individuals confront their current realities, align with their personal truths, and create a compelling vision for the future.
Melissa and David discuss the importance of mental clarity, emotional well-being, and intentional goal setting across every life domain — including health, mindset, family, and business. David also outlines practical strategies for building supportive environments and taking actionable steps toward meaningful growth.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional seeking greater direction, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and design a life aligned with your purpose.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What Freedom Mapping is and how it transforms goal setting
Why confronting your current reality is essential for growth
How emotional clarity impacts leadership and success
Strategies for creating actionable, purpose-driven goals
The key to balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment
👉 Perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to gain clarity and take intentional steps toward a more meaningful future.