Welcome to "Hard Costs," the podcast where I, Katy Widrick, your Fractional CMO and Funnel Fixer, help you cut through the chaos and get you to clarity in your business. With a knack for crisis management and a passion for untangling complexities, my journey behind the scenes as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs has taught me the value of transparency, which is why my mission is to elevate founders and bring forth the unfiltered truth about the real costs of entrepreneurship.
In a world where social media highlights the wins, "Hard Costs" goes beyond the surface to share the untold stories of challenges, lost revenue, strategic pivots, and the roller-coaster ride that entrepreneurship truly is. By sharing my experiences and inviting some of my favorite founders as guests, every episode in this podcast is an opportunity to find solace and inspiration in the journeys of others.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that's what I aspire to achieve through "Hard Costs." So, join me on this journey, share it with your fellow entrepreneurs, and let's build a community that thrives on shared knowledge and support. I can't wait to connect with you on the next episode of "Hard Costs."
EP 26: Tasha Booth on Following Your Gut & Living Your Truth
Ever wonder what happens when you totally shake up your business model AND start living your most authentic life? That's exactly what we dive into with Tasha Booth in this episode. Tasha gets real about her recent pivot from running an agency to coaching other entrepreneurs, and wow -- her energy is absolutely electric!
She opens up about everything from trusting her gut in business to sharing her personal why (including the decision to come out publicly as bisexual), and her story will leave you feeling inspired to make your own bold moves.
Key Topics:
Tasha's transition from agency owner to full-time coach for agency owners and multi-passionate entrepreneurs
Building a business aligned with her inner knowing and gut instincts
Her approach to transparent leadership during team transitions
Managing team dynamics as a quick-start leader
Coming out as bisexual and advocating for marginalized communities
The importance of leading with values and creating safe spaces
Notable Moments:
Tasha shares how she trusted her intuition to move across the country for love after meeting her now-husband
Her experience managing a 7-person leadership team implosion and the lessons learned about financial transparency
A touching story about coming out to her mother, who responded with 22 written questions and unconditional support
Her innovative approach to coaching, including hosting clients for VIP days at her home
Quotable Insights:
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African proverb that guides Tasha's leadership style
Leadership Lessons:
Keep your team informed during transitions
Balance independence with collaboration
Lead with transparency about business financials
Create space for hard conversations
Stay true to your values in business relationships
Connect with Tasha:
Tasha Booth coaches agency owners and multi-passionate entrepreneurs, helping them build businesses aligned with their values and vision.
https://www.tashabooth.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thetashabooth/
https://www.facebook.com/thetashabooth
https://www.threads.net/@thetashabooth
Episode Highlights:
The power of naps as a business strategy (yes, really!)
Building a business that allows for true independence
The importance of showing up authentically in business
Creating inclusive spaces in entrepreneurship
4 Feb 2025
EP 25: How Kelly Ruta Transformed Trauma Into a Sense of Purpose
In this conversation, Katy Widrick speaks with Kelly Ruta, a former licensed clinical psychotherapist and transformational coach, about her journey through trauma, resilience, and personal development. Kelly shares her experiences of childhood trauma, the impact of sports on her life, and how she transformed her pain into purpose. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, building confidence, and navigating relationships while facing health challenges. Kelly emphasizes the significance of grit and determination in entrepreneurship and the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment.
Content warning: this episode includes discussions of sexual and emotional abuse, eating disorders and other content that may not be suitable for everyone.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:34 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
09:14 Finding Safe Spaces and Support
12:03 The Role of Sports in Personal Development
14:55 Discovering Identity and Purpose
17:38 Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges
20:32 Navigating Adult Life and Relationships
23:34 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
26:17 Building a Business Amidst Adversity
29:09 Facing Health Challenges and Resilience
31:55 The Importance of Grit and Tenacity
34:56 Empowering Others Through Experience
37:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
45:33 The Importance of Authentic Connections
47:00 Embracing the Hard Costs of Business
Takeaways
Kelly's journey illustrates the power of resilience in overcoming trauma.
The importance of finding safe spaces and supportive relationships during childhood.
Sports played a crucial role in Kelly's personal development and confidence building.
Transforming trauma into purpose can lead to a fulfilling career helping others.
Building emotional intelligence is essential for personal and professional growth.
Grit and determination are key factors in navigating life's challenges and entrepreneurship.
Healing from trauma requires intentional work and self-reflection.
Setting boundaries is vital for maintaining healthy relationships.
Kelly's experiences highlight the importance of community and support systems.
Empowering others through shared experiences can create a ripple effect of healing.
Connect With Kelly
https://kellyruta.com
https://www.instagram.com/kellysruta
21 Jan 2025
EP24: Eleanor Beaton -- Why Money is Power (Especially for Women)
In this engaging conversation, Katy Widrick interviews Eleanor Beaton, founder of Safi Media, who shares her journey from a creative child to a successful entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women. Eleanor discusses the importance of financial independence, the dynamics of success and relationships, and the role of personal growth in her life. She emphasizes the need for women to embrace their potential, navigate challenges, and work hard to achieve their goals, all while maintaining authenticity and confidence.
Takeaways
Eleanor Beaton is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Financial independence is crucial for women's freedom and power.
Personal growth often involves navigating feelings of vulnerability and sensitivity.
Successful women often face dislike and challenges from others.
Therapy and mentorship can play significant roles in personal development.
A strong work ethic is essential for achieving business success.
Confidence cannot be faked; it must be owned and embodied.
The dynamics of relationships can impact business partnerships.
Women entrepreneurs should focus on their potential and take action.
Building a supportive partnership in business and life is key to success.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Intentional Conversations
03:37 Introduction to Eleanor Beaton and Her Work
42:17 Exploring the Woman Owned Podcast
42:37 Outro _1.wav
Sound Bites
"When women earn, we all win."
"Money is power. Always make your own."
"Revenge is a prime motivator."
Connect With Eleanor
https://safimedia.co/
https://www.instagram.com/eleanorbeaton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbeaton/
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,291
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
86
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
60
Contact Hard Costs With Katy Widrick
Guest appearances
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