What if the business you built could become the wealth-generating asset that changes your life—not just once, but again and again?

In this episode of *Get Real, Get Results*, host Chantell Preston sits down with Carrie Kerpen, CEO and founder of The Whisper Group and author of *The Whisper Way*, to unpack the truth about women, exits, and the wealth-building conversations no one is having. After her own 8-figure exit from one of the first social media agencies, Carrie discovered a glaring gap in the market: women weren't just exiting for less—many didn't even know exiting was an option.

Chantell and Carrie get refreshingly honest about the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business, the identity crisis that follows, and why "success" keeps shifting the higher you climb. Carrie shares her WHISPER framework, explains why every business should be built to be sellable (even if you never sell), and reveals the biggest mistakes founders make that quietly slash their exit value.

You'll learn:
- Why being "the glitter, not the glue" is essential for a strong exit
- How to make your revenue RED: Recurring, Expected, and Diversified
- The tax strategies most founders don't know about until it's too late
- How to reinvent your identity after the deal is done
- Why asking for help is the entrepreneurial superpower women underuse

Whether you're years away from an exit or just starting to dream about one, this conversation will change how you think about the business you're building—and the wealth you deserve.

Subscribe to *Get Real, Get Results* and share this episode with a founder who needs to hear it.

Timestamps
00:00 - Why no amount of money ever felt like enough
00:27 - Welcome to Get Real, Get Results
01:01 - Meet Carrie Kerpen and the origin of The Whisper Group
03:31 - The exit gap: why women don't know selling is an option
06:34 - Turning a lifestyle business into a life-changing asset
07:16 - The Whisper framework: starting with your "why"
09:11 - Carrie's hardest chapter: life after an 8-figure exit
13:03 - The identity crisis no exited founder talks about
13:41 - How Carrie reinvented herself with one video a day for a year
16:13 - Why founders rush into the next thing (and why you shouldn't)
16:56 - Redefining success from money to fulfillment
19:11 - How women undervalue their businesses—and what to fix
21:04 - The two biggest mistakes women make before an exit
22:35 - Reinvention at any age: just start
25:14 - The art of asking without guilt
27:30 - Carrie's vision: a fund for women founders
29:52 - Be the glitter, not the glue: building a sellable business
32:01 - Three tweaks to make your business exit-ready
34:41 - Normalizing wealth-building conversations for women
35:15 - The Whisper Group relaunch and an exclusive acquisition announcement
36:30 - Final reflections and Chantell's book launch

What happens when life gives you a gut-check so intense, it transforms the way you measure success, joy, and purpose? In this deeply inspiring episode of Get Real, Get Results, Chantell Preston sits down with ESPN legend Holly Rowe—one of the most respected voices in sports reporting and a celebrated advocate for women in athletics—for a no-holds-barred conversation about resilience, redefining achievement, and living intentionally.

Holly shares her journey from breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry to facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis that forced her to re-examine everything: her career, motherhood, and what truly matters day to day. Discover Holly’s powerful “joy journey,” the life-changing lessons that came from fighting mortality, and how she flips the script on people-pleasing, guilt, and the relentless chase for outside validation.

You’ll learn why embracing intentional downtime is essential, how to set boundaries without sacrificing passion, and ways to reframe self-talk for greater power and fulfillment. Holly opens up about the pressures women face to do it all, why quality wins over quantity in motherhood, and how to find courage and joy—even in the toughest moments.

If you’re craving real conversation about ambition, vulnerability, and what it means to truly “have it all,” don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more honest, transformative stories—and share with a friend who needs a shot of hope and perspective today.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Facing Mortality: A Doctor’s Sobering Advice
03:28 30 Years in Sports: One Missed Game, Many Lessons
06:00 Earning Respect in a Male-Dominated Industry
08:27 Redefining Success at Every Life Stage
10:07 Make the Big Time Where You Are
12:14 The Cancer Diagnosis That Changed Everything
14:45 Choosing Joy: The Origins of a Joy Journal
17:43 Setting Boundaries and Energy as Currency
20:46 The Truth About Over-Achieving Moms
22:50 Scheduling Downtime: Productivity in Stillness
25:04 Power Statements: “I Am Magical, Powerful, Courageous”
30:54 Vulnerability in Crisis: Admitting Fear and Asking for Help
36:57 Chasing Joy Instead of External Validation
38:19 Motherhood’s Next Chapter: Grieving and Growth
40:23 Spreading Joy: The Mission of the Joyous Foundation"

Join host Chantell Preston, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in healthcare operations, project management, and consulting, as she shares invaluable insights and lessons learned from navigating the complexities of career advancement and personal satisfaction.

Through candid conversations and expert advice, "Get Real, Get Results" serves as your go-to resource for achieving harmony between work and life without sacrificing well-being.

Learn more at: https://chantellpreston.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston

What happens when your drive and discipline push you to the very brink—physically, emotionally, and spiritually? In this powerful episode of Get Real, Get Results, host Speaker B welcomes Ashley Balding, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at Associated Luxury Hotels International, for an intimate conversation that cuts through the noise of perfectionism and reveals what it means to truly take care of yourself.

Ashley’s story is a wake-up call for every woman who’s ever put her own health last. Battling career challenges, family upheaval, and overwhelming stress, Ashley ignored her body’s warnings—until a near-fatal heart crisis forced her to stop, surrender, and reset everything. She shares how pushing through pain and normalizing exhaustion nearly cost her life, and how open-heart surgery became an unexpected gift that transformed her mindset and sense of purpose.

Discover the essential lessons Ashley learned about the hidden dangers of high achievement: Why do so many women equate exhaustion with leadership? How can you recognize the signals your body—and your spirit—are sending before it’s too late? Ashley opens up about finding strength in vulnerability, setting boundaries without guilt, seeking wisdom in community, and redefining success by prioritizing faith, family, and intentional living.

Packed with raw honesty, practical strategies, and hope, this episode is your permission slip to pause, ask for help, and finally put yourself first. Subscribe for more real conversations that inspire transformation—or share this episode with someone who needs the reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

CHAPTERS
00:00 A Miracle Warning Saves My Life
02:13 High-Performing Women Neglecting Their Health
05:12 Coping With Crisis: Career, Family, and Personal Loss
07:29 Ignoring Medical Red Flags Until It’s Almost Too Late
08:23 Surviving Open Heart Surgery and the Aftermath
10:09 The Long Road to Becoming Pacemaker Free
11:07 Mistaking Exhaustion for Leadership
12:18 Redefining Worth: Output Isn’t Everything
16:01 Letting Go of Control: Facing Mortality
19:44 The Power of Gratitude After Trauma
21:17 Crystal Balls vs. Rubber Balls: Prioritizing What Matters
25:43 Lean In—Why Asking for Help Heals
29:08 Setting Boundaries With People Who Drain You
31:13 Leading With Compassion, Not Overextension
33:14 Moving Beyond Anger: Forgiveness as Superpower
37:37 Modeling Purpose and Meaning For the Next Generation
40:32 The Simple Power of Sleep and Breathwork
42:47 The Real Cost of Ignoring Your Body’s Warnings

The Success Lie is available now for pre-sale!
Learn more at: https://chantellpreston.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

Join host Chantell Preston, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in healthcare operations, project management, and consulting, as she shares invaluable insights and lessons learned from navigating the complexities of career advancement and personal satisfaction.

Through candid conversations and expert advice, "Get Real, Get Results" serves as your go-to resource for achieving harmony between work and life without sacrificing well-being.

Learn more at: https://chantellpreston.com

Caregiving, career pressure, marriage, motherhood, aging parents, and the quiet question so many women carry: how is anyone supposed to hold all of this at once? Chantell Preston sits down with Mia Mends for a deeply honest conversation about life in the sandwich generation and the invisible emotional load that often falls on women.

This episode is for anyone navigating the pull between ambition and responsibility, especially women carrying multiple generations at once. It is a reminder that you are not failing because life feels heavy. You may simply be living a very full life, and there are wiser, kinder ways to move through it.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Integration Over Balance
01:19 Entering the Sandwich Generation
03:15 Her Father’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis
05:47 When Her Mother Moved In
07:44 Marriage, Grace, and Shared Sacrifice
09:59 Making the Hard Call for More Help
11:54 The Hidden Cost of Caregiving
13:42 Why Systems and Benefits Fall Short
15:49 Grounding in Joy and Gratitude
17:52 Legacy, Purpose, and What Really Matters
19:55 Using Your Life to Make Things Better
21:33 Dignity in Frontline Work
23:57 Immigration, Loss, and Resilience
25:43 Staying Present With Her Children
27:40 What Kids Learn by Watching Us
29:42 Letting Children See Your Work
30:42 Nerves, Courage, and Doing It Anyway
31:42 Finding Work That Makes Your Heart Sing
33:48 Boundaries, Resentment, and Asking for Help
35:18 Taking Care of Yourself Without Guilt
37:23 Midlife Freedom and New Perspective
39:39 Small Ways to Give Caregivers Relief
41:47 Vulnerability, Recognition, and Closing Reflections

The Success Lie is available now for pre-sale!
Learn more at: https://chantellpreston.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

Join host Chantell Preston, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in healthcare operations, project management, and consulting, as she shares invaluable insights and lessons learned from navigating the complexities of career advancement and personal satisfaction.

Through candid conversations and expert advice, "Get Real, Get Results" serves as your go-to resource for achieving harmony between work and life without sacrificing well-being.

Learn more at: https://chantellpreston.com

What does it really take to leap from a stable corporate job to building a thriving business, all while balancing life’s toughest challenges? In this empowering new episode of Get Real, Get Results, Chantell is joined by Stephanie Cartin—serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Socialfly, and leader of the Entrepreneista League—for a candid conversation about embracing risk, building community, and redefining success on your own terms.

Stephanie shares her journey from childhood side hustler to running a top social media agency, highlighting the pivotal moment she left the corporate world to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She’s transparent about the realities of juggling multiple roles—business owner, mother, and advocate—and opens up about her difficult fertility journey and the power of self-advocacy in health and business.

If you’ve ever wondered how successful women really juggle it all—or if you’re ready to join a network that supports your next big leap—this episode is for you!

Learn more at:
https://chantellpreston.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

CHAPTERS
00:00 The Power of Starting—Why Plans Matter, Even If They Change
01:30 From Corporate Climber to Serial Entrepreneur
04:48 Balancing a Side Hustle with a Full-Time Job
06:32 Advice for Women Starting Businesses Later in Life
08:39 How to Choose the Right Community for You
10:59 The Truth About “Just Jump”—Evaluating Timing and Readiness
12:17 Redefining Success: Not Everyone Wants a Billion-Dollar Exit
13:57 Unlearning Corporate Values to Build a Better Business
16:22 Mentorship, Networking, and the “Built to Sell” Moment
19:45 How Long-Term Relationships Lead to Trusted Advisors
22:20 Setting Boundaries: Giving, Receiving, and Protecting Your Time
23:45 Behind the Highlights: Stephanie’s Emotional Fertility Journey
26:03 How Self-Advocacy Can Save Your Life
29:58 You’re Not Alone—Why Asking for Help Is Essential
31:54 Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable—Just Start Asking
33:37 Founders Weekend Announcement—Building Community for Women Leaders

Juggling back-to-school chaos while managing a career is no small feat. On today’s episode of Get Real, Get Results, Chantell opens up about the overwhelm many working moms face during this season—offering five practical strategies to maintain sanity, including:
Creating a Sunday night routine to plan the week ahead

- Building in a 30-minute morning buffer for calm and clarity

- Delegating tasks at home to kids, partners, and caregivers

- Using AI for grocery lists, meal planning, and even homework support

- Letting go of unrealistic expectations

Emphasizing grace over guilt, Chantell reminds listeners that perfection isn’t the goal—confidence, presence, and connection are. This episode is packed with relatable insights and tactical tips to help moms feel more in control, supported, and calm as the school year begins.

Learn more at:
https://chantellpreston.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Grace Over Guilt: The Reality of Working Mom Life
01:02 Why Back-to-School Triggers Overwhelm
02:16 Strategy #1: Sunday Night Routines
04:20 Creating a Home Command Center
04:44 Strategy #2: 30-Minute Morning Buffer
06:30 Strategy #3: Delegating Like a Boss
08:18 Strategy #4: AI as a Mom Hack
11:10 Calendaring Tools That Save Sanity
13:19 Strategy #5: Letting Go of Perfection
14:36 Recap of All Five Strategies
16:02 Why Motherhood and Leadership Are Deeply Connected
16:37 Final Thoughts & Listener Call to Action

How do you motivate your team when you're barely holding it together yourself? In this solo episode of Get Real, Get Results Chantell delivers a candid, no-BS talk about leadership during times of low motivation. Drawing from her own experiences—including grief, burnout, and the never-ending pressure to "be on"—Chantell shares five powerful strategies leaders can use to keep their teams inspired without sacrificing their own well-being.

You’ll hear how Chantell uses simple systems like setting out clothes the night before, carving out morning energy for high-priority tasks, and scheduling mental resets to keep her leadership steady. Most importantly, she emphasizes that vulnerability isn't a weakness—it's a leadership strength that fosters connection and resilience.

Whether you're running a business, leading a team, or simply trying to show up for your people, this episode offers real-world insight for women in leadership navigating the hard days with grit, grace, and strategy.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Burnout Is Real—Especially for Women
00:32 The Hidden Struggle Behind the Smile
01:37 What to Do When You’re Just Not Feeling It
02:00 Lead with Transparency and Build Trust
03:00 Why Burnout Statistics Should Wake Us Up
04:00 Honesty Creates Connection
05:17 Empower Your Team by Delegating
06:25 How Leaders Can Recharge Personally
06:51 The Power of Micro-Routines
07:54 Managing Energy Throughout the Day
08:19 Your Mood Impacts the Whole Team
09:05 Ask for Support—Strategically
10:24 Self-Awareness Is the First Step
12:42 5 Tactics to Lead Through Low Motivation
14:18 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

About Chantell Preston
Join host Chantell Preston, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in healthcare operations, project management, and consulting, as she shares invaluable insights and lessons learned from navigating the complexities of career advancement and personal satisfaction. Through candid conversations and expert advice, "Get Real, Get Results" serves as your go-to resource for achieving harmony between work and life without sacrificing well-being.

Learn more at:
https://chantellpreston.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

Disappointment is inevitable, but how we handle it defines our growth and resilience. Chantell Preston shares an intimate look into how she helped her teenage daughter work through a painful disappointment and reflects on the parallels in leadership, parenting, and personal development. Chantell offers practical strategies for acknowledging and validating emotions, reframing experiences to discover hidden opportunities, and reinforcing mental toughness.

Listeners will learn how to recognize when it's not about fixing a situation, but about sitting with discomfort, understanding its lessons, and moving forward stronger. Chantell’s candid conversation also covers the modern stigma around failure, the importance of self-compassion, and how disappointment can redirect us toward better paths. Actionable insights include embracing emotions fully, identifying true aspirations behind goals, and consciously redirecting energy toward authentic personal growth.

This episode is a motivational reminder that life’s setbacks are often setups for something greater.

Learn more at:
https://chantellpreston.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@ChantellPreston

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Disappointment
02:12 Personal Story: Helping My Daughter Through Heartbreak
05:40 The Parent’s Dilemma: Fix It or Feel It
08:15 Disappointment at Work and Leadership Lessons
10:05 Validating Emotions and Building Resilience
12:00 Action Steps: Feel, Reflect, Redirect
14:20 Final Thoughts: Growth Through Disappointment