Expert In You

In this high-impact episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden tackles one of the biggest mistakes consultants and service-based entrepreneurs are making today: moving downmarket in response to AI, competition, and economic pressure.

While many are lowering prices and chasing volume, Ann explains why this strategy leads straight into the competition trap—and how going upmarket is the real path to profitability, differentiation, and long-term growth.

If you want to future-proof your business in an AI-driven world, this episode will challenge your thinking and show you a smarter way forward.

🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why lowering your prices can damage your brand and profitability

How AI is widening the gap between commodity services and premium expertise

The key to attracting high-end clients who value results—not discounts

How to reposition your services to stand out in a crowded market

Why “working higher” beats working harder every time

If you’re an experienced consultant, coach, or B2B service provider ready to escape the race to the bottom and move into premium positioning, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to do it.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to elevate your expertise, attract better clients, and win in the new economy.

Key Moments: 

06:07 Moving your business upmarket

08:20 Staying valuable in tough times

11:46 Elevating your business strategy

14:08 Considering investing in a business

17:12 Podcast disclaimer and subscribe reminder

About the host: 

Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.

 

Why Choose Ann Carden? 

With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.

 

Work with Ann Carden

 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 

Get Free Resources:

➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 

➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine

 

Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 

 

🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com

 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com

 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509

 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/

 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

In this thought-provoking episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with renowned economist and leadership expert Dr. Don Barden to explore a bold prediction: women could dominate global leadership roles by 2028.

Drawing from his research and insights from his book Here Come the Girls, Dr. Don breaks down the economic, cultural, and leadership trends driving this major global shift - and why businesses that fail to adapt may get left behind.

This conversation explores the real data behind women’s rising influence in leadership and how this transformation could reshape organizations, industries, and economies worldwide.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why women are positioned to lead the next major leadership shift

The economic impact of increased female leadership globally

How women leaders influence retention, innovation, and company culture

Why organizations must adapt to remain competitive

What this leadership evolution means for the future of business

Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the biggest leadership shifts happening right now - and what it means for your future.

🎧 Tune in now to explore the data, trends, and opportunities shaping the next era of leadership.

 

Key Moments: 

05:47 Observing women in leadership change

06:30 Predicting women leading by 2028

11:26 Complexity of family dynamics

13:19 Men supporting women in leadership

17:50 Reflecting on personal growth

20:12 Embracing humility in business

24:07 Women's evolving role in society

28:44 Cultural dynamics in South Korea

31:48 Balancing family and work changes

34:30 Impact of changing leadership styles

36:12 Discussing women's leadership strengths

39:42 Retaining and reshuffling loyal employees

42:39 Traditional male leadership approach

47:22 Improving employee retention

51:36 Collaborating for mutual growth

 

About The Guest : 

Dr. Don Barden is a classically trained economist and globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making. He spent 25 years as a corporate executive in institutional finance and global economics, building teams that averaged over $1 billion in annual revenue. During his doctoral studies at Columbia International University, he identified a common thread among elite leaders that became the foundation for his book The Perfect Plan, now published in 39 countries worldwide.

 

Don was named one of the Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders in North America by John Maxwell, the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and received full honors from the Department of Defense and the 75th US Army Ranger Regiment. He lectures at Oxford University, The Wharton School of Business, and Wake Forest University, and is a frequent instructor at the US Army Ranger Leadership and Professional Development Program.

 

His newest work, Here Come the Girls, is a #1 Amazon release in economics exploring the global leadership shift that will occur between 2028 and 2032 as women take over global leadership roles. Don is the founder of Perfect Plan Consulting and The Perfect Plan community, where he brings his frameworks directly to entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow.

 

How to connect Dr. Don Barden : 

Website : https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/

LinkedIn: https://donbarden.com/

 

About the host: 

Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.

 

Why Choose Ann Carden? 

With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.

 

Work with Ann Carden

 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 

Get Free Resources:

➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 

➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine

 

Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 

 

🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com

 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com

 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509

 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/

 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Cathy Fyock, a renowned book coach who has helped over 275 authors bring their business books to life.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book - or wondered how authors leverage books to build authority, attract clients, and open new doors - this conversation breaks it down with clarity and strategy.

Ann and Cathy explore how a well-positioned book can elevate your brand, strengthen your message, and become a powerful asset for thought leadership and business growth.

 

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why writing a book is one of the fastest ways to build authority and credibility

How to turn your expertise into a clear, compelling message

The role of AI tools in accelerating the writing process (and where they fall short)

Common mistakes experts make when they skip strategy before writing

How a book can unlock speaking, clients, and high-value opportunities

 

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, speaker, or entrepreneur, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to turn your knowledge into a book that works for your business- not just your bookshelf.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to write smarter, position stronger, and use your book to elevate your influence and income.

 

Key Moments: 

05:18 Helping people discover their value

06:28 The transformative power of writing

11:52 Balancing AI use with hard work

14:19 Repurposing blog content into books

16:13 Discussing book end goals

21:05 Challenges of using AI effectively

23:27 Managing and marketing past books

27:46 Transitioning from doing to teaching

30:18 Engaging readers with examples

34:39 Downsides of traditional publishing

38:49 Hiring experts for better results

About the guest : 

Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals who want to write a nonfiction book about their expertise as a strategy for growing their business, brand, and influence. She is the author of 12 books, including On Your Mark, The Speaker Author, and Writer Crisis Hotline. She has helped more than 275 professionals become published authors, and believes that authors change the world, one word at a time.

Website : https://www.cathyfyock.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-fyock-973b735/

 

About the host: 

Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.

 

Why Choose Ann Carden? 

With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.

 

Work with Ann Carden

 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 

Get Free Resources:

➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 

➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine

 

Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 

 

🌐 Website: https://annlcarden.com

 📞 Contact Us: www.acarden.com

 💟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509

 💟I nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/

 💟 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

In this inspiring episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Lesle Lane of Studio 13, a third-generation entrepreneur who transformed a traditional family photography business into a modern, scalable enterprise.

From navigating succession without a clear roadmap to evolving through the shift from film to digital and now AI Lesle shares how she reimagined her business model to stay relevant, competitive, and profitable.

This conversation dives into what it really takes to modernize a legacy business, expand beyond local markets, and build new revenue streams while staying true to your brand.

 

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How to evolve a traditional business in a rapidly changing industry

The key to scaling from a local service to a nationwide operation

How to leverage freelancers and systems for flexible growth

How to innovate without losing authenticity in the age of AI

Lessons in resilience, leadership, and breaking industry barriers

Whether you’re running a family business, creative venture, or service-based company, this episode offers practical insights on adapting, innovating, and building long-term success.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to transform your business, expand your reach, and create a modern brand that stands the test of time.

 

Key Moments: 

03:51 Taking over the family business

08:08 Switching from film to digital

10:33 Adapting to market changes

16:14 Expanding beyond local markets

18:46 Securing long-term photography contracts

21:56 Managing quality control challenges

24:51 Expanding services to grow revenue

29:54 Planning a branding consulting business

31:20 Planning for business transition

35:06 Building a standout photography website

39:53 Wrap-up and business growth tips

 

About the Guest : 

Lesle Lane is the founder and lead photographer of Studio 13, Inc., a commercial and corporate photography studio serving regional, national, and international clients. A third-generation photographer with more than three decades of experience, she transformed her family’s legacy business into a modern brand focused on helping companies strengthen their visual identity through high-quality imagery. Under her leadership, Studio 13 specializes in corporate, industrial, architectural, and branding photography for organizations across a wide range of industries.

 

How to connect Lesle : 

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/studio-thirteen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio13indy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio13adphoto

 

About the host: 

Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.

 

Why Choose Ann Carden? 

With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.

 

Work with Ann Carden

 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 

Get Free Resources:

➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 

➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine

 

Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 

 

🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com

 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com

 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509

 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/

 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

In this eye-opening episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden reveals the one critical mistake that’s costing consultants, agency owners, and service-based entrepreneurs hundreds of thousands if not millions in lost revenue.

If you’re working harder but not seeing exponential growth, the problem isn’t effort, it's elevation.

Using her powerful “turtle vs. giraffe” analogy, Ann explains why so many experts stay stuck in the weeds and how shifting your perspective can unlock higher-level opportunities, premium clients, and bigger contracts.

🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why growing your business without elevating first keeps you stuck

The difference between operating “in the weeds” vs. at a strategic level

How to attract high-caliber clients and command premium fees

The 4 key moves to elevate your positioning and multiply referrals

How to unlock new opportunities by changing how you see your business

If you’re an established consultant, firm owner, or expert ready to break out of incremental growth and step into bigger opportunities, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you a smarter path forward.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to elevate your business, expand your vision, and unlock your next level of success.

 

About the host: 

Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.

 

Why Choose Ann Carden? 

With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.

 

Work with Ann Carden

 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 

Get Free Resources:

➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 

➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine

 

Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 

 

🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com

 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com

 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509

 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/

 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach