

- 19
- Episodes
- 7
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Self Funded
Self Funded is a podcast about building a career outside the traditional 9-5. Host Chrissie Francona, Founder & CEO of The Long Game, shares her own journey of turning experience into opportunity, along with the stories of others who are carving their own paths. From scaling startups to launching ventures, Chrissie and her guests explore what it really takes to create success on your own terms.
- Publisher
- Chrissie Francona
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 9 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 10 Mar 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.

10 Mar 2026
Building a Trust-First Financial Advisory Business with Eryn Schultz
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie sits down with Eryn Schultz, founder of Her Personal Finance, to talk about building a trust-first business in an industry where trust is often hard to earn. Eryn shares how she went from working in grocery retail and asking hard questions about 401(k) fees to creating an advice-only financial planning firm that serves women and couples navigating major life and money decisions. They talk through her business model, the flywheel between education and advising, the reality of early-stage hustle, and how a personal decision to speak up about high-fee financial products ultimately led to a major New York Times feature that changed the trajectory of her business. (00:01:24) Tailoring Financial Education for Women and Couples (00:13:59) Trust-Centered Financial Services Approach by Eryn Schultz (00:20:44) Navigating Entrepreneurial Growth Through Client Prioritization (00:30:34) Managing Website Traffic Surge from Media Coverage (00:34:28) Fostering Business Expansion through Service Diversification (00:40:07) Personal Values Drive Self-Funded Ventures Eryn's Links: Check out her website: herpersonalfinance.com/ (https://herpersonalfinance.com/) Follow her on Instagram: @her.personal.finance Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

2 Mar 2026
Building a Multi-Million Dollar Business Around Your Constraints with Michelle Penczak
Michelle Penczak didn’t set out to build a multi-million dollar company. She just needed a job that could survive military life. After being turned down again and again because she might “move someday,” Michelle built her own path — starting as a virtual assistant, launching an LLC during her husband’s deployment, and eventually co-founding Squared Away. Today, her fully bootstrapped company has employed more than 1,600 military spouses worldwide and paid over $32 million to military families. In this episode, Michelle shares how she scaled from solo VA to CEO, why she refuses venture capital, how AI is transforming operational support, and her practical framework for delegation that every founder needs to hear. This is a masterclass in building a business around constraints — and turning them into your biggest advantage. (00:01:36) Reclaiming Time: Building Businesses Around Constraints (00:16:05) Efficient Growth Strategies for Virtual Assistance Businesses (00:18:15) Remote Career Evolution for Military Spouses (00:25:36) Supporting Military Families Through Employment Opportunities (00:31:23) Enhancing Business Efficiency with Automation Tools (00:36:34) Delegation's Role in Balancing Mom Entrepreneurship (00:38:40) Passion-Driven Business Success Michelle's Link: www.gosquaredaway.com/ (http://www.gosquaredaway.com/) Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

23 Feb 2026
Building “Creativity on Tap” for Modern Brands with Dana Hork
In this episode of Self Funded, Dana Hork, Founder & CEO of Beers With Friends, shares how she transformed her frustration with the traditional agency model into a five-day sprint business designed for modern marketers. Drawing on her experience at Wonder, Walmart, and Jet.com, Dana explains how she and her co-founder built a creative microagency rooted in trust, speed, and focus—offering “creativity on tap” without long retainers or bureaucracy. She discusses shared consciousness in co-founding, iterating toward product-market fit, and why senior judgment and perspective are more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world. (00:00:01) Career Control Through Self-Funded Ventures (00:08:49) Collaborative Decision-Making in Co-Founding Ventures (00:15:28) Evolution from Flexible Projects to Productized Services (00:28:12) Creating a Trust-Based Independent Agency Culture (00:29:29) "Creative Collaboration for Business Success" (00:33:34) Personal Friction: Entrepreneurial Success Recipe Dana's Links: Beers with Friends: www.bwfagency.com Dana's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danahork/ BWF LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/beerswithfriends/ BWF Instagram: www.instagram.com/getbeerswithfriends BWF YouTube: youtube.com/@beerswithfriends BWF TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@beerswithfriends Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

9 Feb 2026
The Rise of the Experience Entrepreneur
In this solo episode of Self Funded, Chrissie shares an aha moment that’s been forming over the past few years: the rise of the experience entrepreneur. She walks through how this idea emerged from watching talented professionals leave traditional roles and start building businesses around their own experience — not by starting over, but by changing how that experience is delivered. Chrissie defines what experience entrepreneurship is (and what it isn’t), explains how it offers a third path out of the competence cage, and unpacks why this model is becoming more viable right now — from fractional work and shifting views on credentials to the leverage created by AI. This episode is about naming a movement, putting language to a quiet shift, and exploring how mid-career professionals can build something ambitious without abandoning everything they’ve already built. (00:01:28) Expertise Entrepreneurship (00:03:12) Expertise-based Sustainable Business Ventures (00:08:50) Self-Funding Success in Innovation Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack:These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3

2 Feb 2026
Why Niche Expertise Beats Scale in a Services Business with Peyton Vitter
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie sits down with Peyton Vitter, Founder and Managing Partner of SMG Capital, to unpack what institutional-grade finance actually looks like for growing, multi-unit businesses. Peyton shares his path from private equity and private banking to building a CFO advisory firm that supports restaurants, franchisees, and real estate operators navigating complexity, growth decisions, and capital events. They dive into niche focus, why most operators don’t need a CFO as early as they think, how financial clarity drives better decisions, and what it really takes to scale a services business without turning it into a bloated corporate machine. (00:02:21) Strategic Financial Guidance for Multi-Unit Businesses (00:07:14) Tailored CFO Advisory Services in Private Equity (00:10:59) Navigating Diverse Franchise Business Models (00:15:31) Scaling a Personal Brand into a Business (00:20:14) Structured Data for Informed Financial Decisions (00:29:33) Service-Focused Growth in Niche Markets (00:35:22) Specializing in Niche Markets for Business Success Peyton's Links:SMG Capital: https://www.smgcapitalgp.com Connect with Peyton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/peyton-vittersmgcapital Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

26 Jan 2026
Managing Energy, Not Time: How I’m Setting Myself Up for a Better 2026
In this solo episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona walks through how she’s intentionally setting herself up for success in 2026. She breaks down the two pillars she uses to guide her strategy, clear direction and the right enablers, and gets specific about the systems she’s putting in place this year. Chrissie shares why she’s managing energy instead of time, how she’s using metrics to stay objective in a self funded business, and why consistency matters more than volume when you’re building something sustainable. This episode is both a planning framework and an honest look at what it takes to stay grounded, focused, and realistic while growing a business around your own experience and expertise. (00:05:05) Revenue-Driving Business Performance Metrics Analysis (00:06:40) Daily Achievable Goals for Success Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

19 Jan 2026
How Phil Levine Turned His Consulting-to-Tech Leap Into a Successful Recruiting Business
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona talks with Phil Levine, founder of Golden Gate Recruits, about how he turned his own jump from Bain to startup life into a specialized recruiting firm that helps ex consultants and finance talent land roles in tech and venture backed companies. Phil shares what it took to build credibility in a still-nascent career path, how he convinced both founders and candidates to bet on generalist operator roles before they were a known quantity, and why relationship-driven outbound became the real growth engine behind his early traction. He breaks down the moments that unlocked momentum, from a cold email that turned into a key customer to a network effect of referrals, and walks through how the business evolved from a solo operation with outsourced support into the Phil, Nick, and Mia team. (00:07:30) Transitioning from Consulting to Tech Recruitment (00:15:18) Authenticity: Key to Success in Business (00:23:52) Leveraging Shared Connections for Networking Success (00:31:37) Communication for Generating Inbound Leads (00:32:57) Leveraging Prestigious Networks for Business Expansion (00:43:25) Transition to Collaborative Team Dynamics in GTR (00:47:09) Building Relationships for Success Check out Golden Gate Recruits: www.goldengaterecruits.com (http://www.goldengaterecruits.com/) Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/levinephillip/ (http://www.linkedin.com/in/levinephillip/) Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/%E2%81%A0) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459%E2%81%A0) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49%E2%81%A0) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ%E2%81%A0) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf%E2%81%A0) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X%E2%81%A0) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona%E2%81%A0) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3%E2%81%A0)

12 Jan 2026
The Three Mistakes I Made in My First Year of a Self Funded Business
In this solo episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona reflects on her first full year building The Long Game and shares three mistakes she made starting a self funded business. From launching with the end vision instead of revenue, to mismanaging her calendar, to getting emotionally attached to early opportunities, Chrissie breaks down what didn’t work and what she would do differently today. She talks candidly about leaving a VP role while pregnant, navigating the “trough of sorrow,” learning to prioritize business development, and shifting from scarcity to abundance. The episode offers a grounded look at what it really takes to get traction early and how to approach 2026 with clearer focus, better experiments, and more momentum. (00:00:01) Action-Driven Revenue Building in Self-Funded Enterprises (00:06:18) Strategic Talent Networking for Growth's Success (00:14:08) Strategic Business Development with Intentionality (00:18:50) Continuous Adaptation for Self-Funded Entrepreneurship Success Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3)

22 Dec 2025
You Don’t Need a New Idea, You Need to Follow the Spark
In this solo episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona explores a simple but powerful idea: you already have the foundation of a business inside you. Drawing inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, she breaks down how to identify your “spark” using lived experience, professional expertise, and real feedback from others. Chrissie shares practical exercises for uncovering what you are uniquely qualified to build, why confidence and action are often the real blockers, and how to systemize yourself into taking action even when fear shows up. She closes with concrete ways to approach 2026 differently, focusing on small, repeatable habits that help you turn clarity into momentum and finally start building on your own terms. (00:00:01) Unleashing Unique Strengths for Entrepreneurial Success (00:02:15) Embracing Your Internal Spark for Success (00:04:54) Stepping Out of Comfort Zone in Business Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3

15 Dec 2025
Why Taylor Crane Bet on Fractional Work and Built a Business Around It
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona sits down with Taylor Crane, founder of Fractional Jobs, to unpack how fractional work became both his career path and his business. Taylor shares how burnout from a venture-backed startup led him to fractional product work, why he deliberately used that income to bootstrap his next company, and how Fractional Jobs grew from a simple newsletter into a revenue-generating marketplace and media business. They dive into the realities of building a two-sided platform, why network is the hardest part of fractional work, how Taylor iterated his business model in real time, and why he believes fractional leadership is becoming the default starting point for modern companies. (00:01:13) Engaging in Part-Time Roles with Fractional Executives (00:01:19) Cost-Effective Senior Expertise for Startups (00:02:14) Expertise-Based Fractional Leadership Talent Platform (00:02:14) Hands-On Expertise: The Essence of Fractional Work (00:08:54) Strategic Evolution of Fractional Work Concept (00:17:49) Fractional Jobs: Empowering Startup Leaders (00:32:38) Equitable Referral Fee Model for Talent (00:32:49) Referral Fee Model Adaptation in Revenue Streams Check out Fractional Jobs here: www.fractionaljobs.io (http://www.fractionaljobs.io/) Follow Taylor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taylorcrane/ (http://linkedin.com/in/taylorcrane/) Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3

8 Dec 2025
Disney, Starbucks, and the Blueprint Behind Tamara Muñoz-Whilden’s CEO Extraction Method
In this episode, Chrissie sits down with Tamara Muñoz-Whilden, founder of Behind the Screens, to unpack how she transformed a decade of Disney and Starbucks operations experience into a fast-growing agency that helps founders finally step out of the weeds. Tamara shares her path from burnout to entrepreneurship, why scalable systems are the “secret sauce” to consistent delivery, and how she evolved from virtual assistant to fractional COO to leading her signature CEO Extraction program. They dive into what actually keeps founders stuck in the day-to-day, how to build a business that runs without you, and why operations is both the bottleneck and the unlock for growth. Check out Behind the Screens here: https://behindthescreens.biz (https://behindthescreens.biz) Follow Tamara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramunozwhilden/ (https://www.instagram.com/tamaramunozwhilden/) Take her Bottleneck Assessment: https://behindthescreens.biz/bottleneck (https://behindthescreens.biz/bottleneck) (00:08:29) Strategic Transition: Balancing Risk in Entrepreneurship (00:15:58) Scaling Expertise into Self-Funded Success (00:18:55) Evolving Service Offerings for Business Growth (00:24:18) Optimal Team Composition for Business Growth (00:26:09) Optimizing Business Growth Through CEO Extraction (00:26:35) Transitioning for Growth: CEO Extraction Strategies (00:38:30) Iterating Business Ideas for Market Demands Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. ( longgametalent.com.) My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3)

1 Dec 2025
From Serial Acquirers to M&A Integration Advisors with Tim Williamson and Gagan Singh
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona sits down with Tim Williamson and Gagan Singh, the leaders behind Acquire2Win, to unpack their journey from colleagues at Salesforce to making their own decisions to leave and a collective decision to launch Acquire2Win. Drawing from years of experience inside serial acquirers like Salesforce, Comcast, and Nielsen, Tim and Gagan share the expertise they developed in these roles that they have since leveraged into their own GTM-focused acquisition playbook. They share the ethos of Acquire2Win and the patterns they’ve seen repeated across industries, which prompted them to take a differentiated approach to their services: treat integration as a growth discipline rather than a back-office exercise. Connect with Tim and Gagan on LinkedIn: Tim: www.linkedin.com/in/timothyawilliamson (www.linkedin.com/in/timothyawilliamson) Gagan: www.linkedin.com/in/gdsingh3 (www.linkedin.com/in/gdsingh3) Learn more about Acquire2Win: www.acquire2win.com (www.acquire2win.com) (00:01:19) Customer-Centered Growth in Self-Funded Ventures (00:09:08) Customer-Centric Integration Strategy at Salesforce (00:13:10) Navigating M&A Integration for Entrepreneurial Growth (00:20:20) Relationship Building in M&A Deals (00:24:15) Rejecting Bad Business Ideas Saves Resources (00:30:14) Customer-Centric Approach in Acquisitions for Growth (00:33:15) Aligning M&A with Customer Needs for Growth (00:34:47) Navigating Business Growth and Service Integration (00:43:03) Perfecting Business Value for Convincing Communication Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW6fdMBQaTaLXsrAneZ2aQ) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

24 Nov 2025
How to Say No When You’re Building a Self Funded Business
In this solo episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona breaks down one of the most underrated skills in building a business around yourself: learning how to say no. She shares how to protect your time when your calendar is blank, how to handle pick-your-brain requests and general catch ups, how to decide which business opportunities are worth pursuing, and how to evaluate full time offers without losing focus on your own path. Chrissie opens up about her own early mistakes, the gut checks she relies on now, and the simple systems she uses to keep her time aligned with the work that actually builds the business.(00:00:45) Time as Capital: Building Self-Funded Businesses(00:10:00) Prioritizing Passion and Sustainable Business Growth(00:11:15) Identifying Energizing Tasks to Boost Entrepreneurship SuccessSelf Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ Spotify: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@selffundedpod The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

17 Nov 2025
The Business You Build When Life Forces a Pivot with Joy Taylor
In this episode, Chrissie Francona talks with Joy Taylor about a career shaped by grit, reinvention, and the willingness to bet on herself more than once. Joy shares how growing up in a tiny Missouri town running a family ferry business taught her to do the work, how George Steinbrenner “firing” her changed her career trajectory, and how she went from GE’s M and A team to building and selling multiple consulting firms. She and Chrissie dig into the reality of building a business during major life inflection points, the shift from being the person who does the work to building a team that can deliver it, and why Joy believes clarity, transparency, and flexibility are the future of consulting. (00:00:01) Personal Needs Driving Self-Funded Enterprises (00:08:52) Thriving Ferry Business in Key West (00:20:01) Evolution from Solo Consultant to Established Company (00:28:57) Navigating Career Changes During Family Changes (00:33:17) Flexible Work-Life Balance at TayganPoint Consulting Group (00:37:49) Networking for Consulting Success Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@selffundedpod (https://www.youtube.com/@selffundedpod) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com (http://longgametalent.com). My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10 Nov 2025
How Packy McCormick Turned Not Boring from Newsletter to Venture Fund
Packy McCormick has built a one-of-a-kind career around curiosity. As the writer behind Not Boring and GP of Not Boring Capital, he’s turned a side project newsletter into a thriving ecosystem that bridges media and venture. In this episode, Packy and Chrissie talk about burning the boats to bet on yourself, how deep research and writing became his superpower, and why the Internet still rewards people who do truly original work.Packy shares the evolution from banker to startup operator to full-time creator, the flywheel between his writing and investing, and what he sees coming next for independent builders in the “great online game.” Check out Not Boring: www.notboring.co (https://www.notboring.co) (00:01:18) Thriving Tech Investment Newsletter from Startup Background (00:06:12) Not Boring: From Niche Club to Media Platform (00:08:19) Transitioning to Sponsorship Model in Media (00:18:14) Writing-driven Investment Strategy Synergy (00:21:43) Strategic Writing Shapes Investment Portfolio Over Time (00:25:02) Deep Dive Writing Process with ChatGPT (00:30:03) Navigating Writing Challenges with Generative AI (00:42:34) Value-driven Innovation: Future of Online Creators Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@selffundedpod (https://www.youtube.com/@selffundedpod) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com (http://longgametalent.com). My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3 Nov 2025
From Class Project to Consulting 2.0: The Story of Catalant with Pat Petitti
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona talks with Pat Petitti, CEO and Co-Founder of Catalant, about how a class project at Harvard Business School grew into one of the most disruptive forces in consulting. Pat shares the story behind Catalant’s beginnings as “Hourly Nerd,” its evolution into a platform now powering thousands of independent consultants, and what he calls “Consulting 2.0.” He and Chrissie discuss how AI is reshaping the industry, why companies are rethinking traditional consulting models, and what it takes to build a business that connects expertise with opportunity. Check out Catalant Here: https://catalant.com (00:00:01) Harvard Class Project: Catalynt Consulting Success (00:15:37) Consulting 2.0 Evolution: Catalan’s Business Transformation (00:15:58) Enterprise Shift: Disrupting Traditional Consulting Space (00:25:30) Tailored Solutions: Consulting Teams for Better ROI (00:26:36) Tailored Consulting Teams for Effective Solutions (00:29:23) AI Integration and Specialization in Consulting Industry (00:36:35) Expertise-Focused Consulting for Successful Practice (00:42:23) Consulting Firms Embracing Specialized Expertise (00:44:14) Rise of Purpose-Driven Independent Consultants Self Funded Links: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49) The Long Game: I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com. My Self Funded Tech Stack: These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X) Granola: I’ve tried several AI notetakers and this is my favorite. I take my own notes in the interface which are the enhanced after the call: https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona (https://go.granola.ai/chrissie-francona) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

27 Oct 2025
Leslie Zaikis on Turning Freelance Flexibility into a Long-Term Career
In this episode of Self Funded, Chrissie Francona talks with Leslie Zaikis, marketing strategist, fractional CMO, and co-founder of The New HQ, about building a self-funded career long before it was trendy. Leslie shares how leaving big consulting for an early-stage startup and its eventual crash led her to carve out a 13-year path as an independent consultant. She and Chrissie explore what it really looks like to sustain a business on your own terms, from landing clients through genuine curiosity to balancing work and motherhood to helping others design flexible, fulfilling careers through The New HQ. More Info on Leslie: https://www.lesliezaikis.com (https://www.lesliezaikis.com) Check Out the New HQ: https://www.thenewhq.co (https://www.thenewhq.co) (00:02:24) Startup Experiences: Navigating Challenges for Growth (00:11:16) From Big Consulting to Marketing Consultant Journey (00:17:20) Strategic Marketing Partnerships with Hands-On Delivery (00:23:31) Flexibility and Tailored Scopes in Consulting (00:30:13) Embracing Flexibility: Balancing Business and Family (00:35:10) Transforming Job Offers into Consulting Partnerships (00:38:45) Empowering Self-Employment: Building Success Together You Can Find Self-Funded Here: Substack: https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/ (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded/id1845157459 (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u4zA43k4hC183fM0PisKq?si=26bf586458934e49 (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com/) I help growth-stage companies close the gap between strategy and execution for growth or exit through The Long Game. Learn more at longgametalent.com (http://longgametalent.com). These are some of my favorite tools I use everyday in my business and podcast (affiliate links): Collective: Powers my S-Corp from bookkeeping to paying contractors to tax prep. https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Flodesk: The easiest email platform with clean, easy-to-customize designs and a simple workflow interface: https://flodesk.com/c/19VL1X (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) Airtable: I’ve built my business operating system in Airtable, including my CRM, content management tool, and to-do list: https://airtable.com/invite/r/uq7tgTC3 (https://share.collective.com/mQHI7Bf) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

20 Oct 2025
What It Really Means to Be Self Funded
In the premiere episode of Self Funded, host Chrissie Francona lays the foundation for what it truly means to build a business around yourself, without waiting for permission. Drawing from her own journey and years of observing a growing movement of professionals creating profitable, purpose-driven ventures, Chrissie breaks down the core ideas behind being “self funded”: leveraging your experience, expertise, and network to create both income and equity. She explores the models, mindsets, and motivations shaping this new path for modern professionals ready to carve out something of their own. (00:01:25) Expertise-Driven Entrepreneurial Journey (00:04:35) Monetizing Expertise for Lasting Financial Independence (00:10:54) Building Self-Funded Businesses Beyond Personal Scope (00:17:09) The Boom of Independent Workers in 2020 (00:21:37) Monetizing Skills and Expertise for Business Success This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9 Oct 2025
Welcome to Self Funded!
We’re living in a new era of work, one where ambitious professionals are building businesses around their own experience and expertise. Self Funded is a podcast about this movement: creating a career on your own terms, without waiting for permission. Hosted by Chrissie Francona, it’s for anyone ready to rethink the rules of success and build something profitable, durable, and fully their own. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selffundedbychrissie.substack.com (https://selffundedbychrissie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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