In this inspiring New Year episode, Monica shares how choosing one word each year has helped guide her personal and business growth, especially in seasons of transition and discomfort. Reflecting on the lessons of past words and revealing her 2026 word of the year, she invites listeners to consider a simpler, more grounded approach to goal-setting. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, Monica shares gentle prompts to help you pick a word that aligns with the version of you and who you desire to become...a word that supports your vision, challenges your comfort zone, and anchors your year with clarity.
Episode Quote: Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. ~ James Baldwin
What you will learn in this episode:
How to choose one word to guide your year
How to let your word support both life and business
How to reflect on last year to set meaningful intentions
How to embrace discomfort as part of personal and business evolution
How to use a guiding word as a decision-making lens
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this solo episode, Monica Allen unpacks the real reason success isn't about grand gestures. It’s about consistent, purposeful choices. With stories from her own entrepreneurial path, Monica introduces a three-part framework: awareness, alignment, and intention, with a clear vision as the anchor. These pillars help you design the life and business you truly want. You’ll walk away with practical reflection tools and a 10-minute weekly check-in exercise to start showing up like the CEO version of yourself. Starting now.
Whether you're just starting out or deep in the hustle, this episode will challenge you to ask: Is my schedule matching my dreams?
Episode Quote: What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. ~Gretchen Rubin
You are always one decision away from a completely different life. ~ Mel Robbins
What you will learn in this episode:
How to create a clear vision for your future self
How to identify energy drains and recognize what fuels you
How to make small adjustments that lead to big results
How to use a weekly 10-minute check-in for growth
How to act with intention instead of living on autopilot
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
Are your daily habits aligned with the person you want to become?
In this episode, Monica challenges you to stop hoping and start intentionally creating the future version of yourself. This isn't just about business. It's about life, health, relationships, and how you spend your time. With the new year around the corner, now is the time to ask if you’re truly building the life you want. Monica shares a mindset shift and a simple two-column exercise to help you reflect and take action.
Episode Quote: Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. ~Jim Rohn
What you will learn in this episode:
How to align your daily choices with your long-term goals
How to identify and close the gap between who you are and who you want to be
How to stop being “busy” and start being effective
How to focus on revenue-generating tasks that grow your business
How to use structure and intention to avoid overwhelm
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this powerful episode, Monica shares a surprising moment at the bank that completely shifted her mindset—and could shift yours too. A frustrating bill turned into a reminder of growth, ownership, and intentional living. If you’ve been weighed down by the pressures of entrepreneurship, this episode is your gentle but firm reminder to zoom out, reframe, and reset. Monica unpacks how a change in perspective can be your greatest secret weapon as a business owner.
Episode Quote: When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~ Wayne Dyer
What you will learn in this episode:
How to reframe burdens as signs of business success
How to zoom out and reconnect with your entrepreneurial journey
How to use gratitude as a reset button
How to view business responsibilities through a lens of ownership and growth
How to use perspective to regain your creativity and leadership
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
Who is Monica?
Monica Allen grew up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom, who had her at age 18, her grandmother, and her uncle. Living below the poverty line for all of her young life, Monica was determined to break the cycle. Being the first in her immediate family to attend a 4-year university, Monica worked in the field of insurance as a benefits broker for 8 years and earned her Master's in Business Administration.
Leaving to set out on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, she is now a serial entrepreneur owning several businesses. She is the co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS, and Deuce Equity Group. She is the sole proprietor of Monica Allen Interiors and an Amazon Bestseller (The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More).
She loves equipping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners with tips to launch, grow, and scale their business while avoiding the many pitfalls of entrepreneurship. She believes that being surrounded by positive people, believing in yourself, and having faith in God have led to her success.
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In this episode, Monica shares the powerful moment a fellow entrepreneur asked her: What is your chicken sandwich? Inspired by Chick-fil-A’s success in mastering one core product, Monica walks you through why clarity and not complexity is the true key to business growth. From personal missteps to pivotal insights, she unpacks how identifying and focusing on your business’s core offering can transform everything from marketing to customer loyalty and long-term scalability. If you’ve been feeling pulled in too many directions, this episode is your permission to simplify and amplify what you do best.
Episode Quote: Success is about doing the right thing, not about doing everything right. ~Gary Keller
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify your business's “chicken sandwich”
How to stay focused on what your business does best
How to avoid distractions that water down your excellence
How to use clarity to improve marketing and operations
How to scale intentionally around your core competency
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In this heartwarming solo episode, Monica reflects on the power of gratitude not just as a seasonal tradition but as a weekly mindset for entrepreneurs. Fresh off a family moment that sparked a deeper conversation, Monica shares how being grateful for what you already have can reignite momentum in your life and business. Whether you’re chasing your next hire, your next sale, or your next big goal, this episode offers a grounding reminder: progress is happening, even if it doesn’t always feel fast or flashy.
Monica offers you three simple yet impactful ways to incorporate an “attitude of gratitude” into your business routine, because acknowledging small wins may unlock bigger ones.
Episode Quote:
Gratitude turns what we have into enough. ~ Melody Beatty
What you will learn in this episode:
How to build a weekly gratitude habit that fuels your business
How to celebrate wins with your team to strengthen connection
How to share your story online in a way that feels authentic
How to shift from scarcity-thinking to abundance-awareness
How to recognize progress even when it feels slow
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In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica reminds listeners that ideas are not the finish line—they're only the starting point. Through storytelling, real-life business lessons, and a personal look into her own journey, Monica challenges you to ask yourself: are you executing or just imagining? If you've been stuck in planning, waiting for perfect timing, or fearing failure, this episode is your wake-up call. Execution may not be glamorous, but it’s where growth begins.
Episode Quote: Ideas are easy. Execution is everything. ~John Doerr
What you will learn in this episode:
How to stop overthinking and start acting
How to overcome fear and use it as fuel
How to stop waiting for the “perfect” time
How to take the first small but meaningful step
How to build momentum even without all the answers
How to use accountability and community to stay on track
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
Who is Monica?
Monica Allen grew up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom, who had her at age 18, her grandmother, and her uncle. Living below the poverty line for all of her young life, Monica was determined to break the cycle. As the first in her immediate family to attend a 4-year university, Monica worked in the field of insurance as a benefits broker for eight years and earned her Master of Business Administration.
Leaving to embark on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, she is now a serial entrepreneur, owning several businesses. She is the co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS, and Deuce Equity Group. She is the sole proprietor of Monica Allen Interiors and an Amazon Bestseller (The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More).
She loves equipping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners with tips to launch, grow, and scale their business while avoiding the many pitfalls of entrepreneurship. She believes that being surrounded by positive people, believing in yourself, and having faith in God have led to her success.
Are you spending your time where it truly counts?
In this episode, Monica unpacks a game-changing truth: what you focus on expands. With personal stories from the early days of building her business, she shares how scattered attention once stalled growth, and how intentional focus created massive momentum. Whether you're deep in the weeds or ready to shift gears, this episode is your reminder to slow down, get clear, and focus on what actually moves the needle. Perfect for entrepreneurs feeling stretched thin or stuck in the day-to-day.
Episode Quote: Energy flows where attention goes. ~ Tony Robbins
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What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify the one area of your business that needs your attention
How to audit your current focus and reclaim your time
How to delegate and clear space for strategic thinking
How to set measurable, actionable goals that align with your vision
How to revisit and realign your strategy regularly for sustainable growth
Monica Allen grew up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom, who had her at age 18, her grandmother, and her uncle. Living below the poverty line for all of her young life, Monica was determined to break the cycle. As the first in her immediate family to attend a 4-year university, Monica worked in the field of insurance as a benefits broker for eight years and earned her Master of Business Administration.
Leaving to embark on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, she is now a serial entrepreneur, owning several businesses. She is co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS and Deuce Equity Group. She is the sole proprietor of Monica Allen Interiors and an Amazon Bestseller (The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More).
She loves equipping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners with tips to launch, grow, and scale their business while avoiding the many pitfalls of entrepreneurship. She believes that being surrounded by positive people, believing in yourself, and having faith in God have led to her success.
Do you ever feel like you're falling behind because of what you see on social media? You're not alone, and you're not behind. In this soul-grounding episode, Monica reminds you of the power in staying on your own mat both literally and metaphorically. Inspired by parenting moments and the slippery slope of online comparison, she gets real about the emotional toll of watching others "do more" and why it’s critical to reclaim your focus and peace. Whether you're a dreamer or an established entrepreneur, this is your reminder to pause, breathe, and stop "should-ing" on yourself.
Episode Quote: Comparison is the thief of joy. ~ Theodore Roosevelt
What you will learn in this episode:
How to manage your social media intake to protect your peace
How to stop comparing your business journey to others
How to celebrate your daily wins—even the small ones
How to give yourself grace and keep moving forward
How to reset your focus with intentional actions
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this episode, Monica pulls back the curtain on what really builds business momentum—genuine relationships and meaningful referrals. She shares her personal experience with formal networking groups like BNI and how intentional one-on-one connections have become a game-changer for her business growth. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your customer base, Monica reveals the three essential strategies to get people talking about you...in a good way. If you’ve ever felt awkward asking for referrals or unsure how to grow your network authentically, this episode is for you.
Episode Quote: Your network is your net worth. Porter Gale
What you will learn in this episode:
How to build a referral network that actually works
How to ask for referrals without feeling pushy
How to create easy tools that help others promote your business
How to show appreciation in ways that encourage repeat referrals
How to turn one client into ten through strategic relationship-building
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In this episode, Monica challenges listeners to think differently about where they spend their money. Inspired by a doctoral assignment and her own journey as a small business owner, she explores why shopping local isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s a powerful economic and community-building choice. With Small Business Saturday and the holiday season fast approaching, this episode is your reminder that every purchase is a vote for the kind of community you want to live in. Monica shares personal stories, eye-opening research, and a few surprising facts that might just make you rethink that next Amazon order.
Episode Quote: When you support a small business, you’re supporting a dream. ~Anonymous
What you will learn in this episode:
How to strengthen your community with your everyday purchases
How to rethink convenience vs. impact when shopping
How to support local businesses beyond Small Business Saturday
How to find unique, meaningful gifts close to home
How to use social media to boost your favorite local brands
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica flips the script on self-care. Instead of massages and meditation, she’s talking about the financial self-care every entrepreneur needs: retirement planning. Reflecting on a recent conversation with wealth expert John De Goey (Episode 272), Monica shares her own practices and insights on why investing in yourself—beyond your business—isn’t optional. She also breaks down two hot-button issues that could quietly chip away at your profits: tariffs and the government shutdown. If you’ve ever been tempted to reinvest every dollar back into your business, this episode is a must-listen wake-up call.
Episode Quote: You are the most important asset in your business. Self-care is particularly important when you are self-employed. ~Unknown
What you will learn in this episode:
How to prioritize your personal financial future while running a business
How to build automatic investing habits that protect future you
How to respond when tariffs show up on your product invoices
How to think through the ripple effects of a government shutdown
How to balance investing in your business with saving outside of it
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On this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica Allen talks with John DeGoey, a portfolio manager, financial truth-teller, and author of Bullshift and Stand Up to the Financial Services Industry. With 30+ years of experience, John explains why many advisors unknowingly mislead their clients, how hidden fees rob you of long-term gains, and why being passive (with your investments) can actually be the smartest move. This episode challenges everything you think you know about wealth building and gives you the power to take control. If you’re a business owner or aspiring investor, you’ll walk away with a mindset shift and actionable steps.
Episode Quote: An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~Benjamin Franklin
What you will learn in this episode:
How to build a portfolio that fits your real risk tolerance
How to spot the hidden fees quietly eating away at your returns
How mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) differ
How to think like a long-term investor without obsessing over the market
How to prepare your business and finances for uncertain economic times
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https://www.johndegoey.ca/
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this episode, Monica Allen shares her personal journey of hiring, learning, and preparing for the final quarter of the year. With the fourth quarter officially here, it's time to assess your progress, rethink your marketing strategy, and finish strong. Monica gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she's navigating both business growth and academic growth, all while planning a holiday marketing strategy designed to convert. If you've been putting off the planning, this is your nudge to take action now...not later.
Episode Quote: You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do. ~Henry Ford
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What you will learn in this episode:
Three questions to ask as you begin the 4th quarter
How to craft a holiday marketing plan that actually works
How to reward loyal customers and attract new ones
How to reduce customer decision fatigue and boost conversions
How to prepare your business now to set the tone for next year
Episode Quote: Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down. ~Kobi Yamada
In this special throwback episode, Monica Allen shares her origin story of how she went from a small-town girl with big dreams to a multi-business owner generating over a million dollars in revenue annually. If you're new to the Become Your Own Boss podcast, this is the perfect place to start. And if you've been listening for a while, this is your chance to reconnect with the roots of the show and the mission behind it. This story proves that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down.
✅ What you will learn in this episode:
How to take the intelligent leap into entrepreneurship
How to build financial reserves from day one
How to test your idea before going all in
How to turn customer feedback into profitable services
How to grow your business without outside advertising
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Ways to reach me:
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Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Monica opens her playbook to share the real-time strategies she’s using to grow her small business team—after going three years without hiring, she is jumping back in the saddle. From mindset shifts to practical hiring steps, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to bring the right people on board. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or rebuilding after a tough season, Monica gives you the raw truth on what works, what doesn’t, and why hiring is so much more than filling a role. It could be the pathway to level up your business.
Episode Quote: Hire character. Train skill. ~ Peter Schutz
What you will learn in this episode:
How to shift from a “do-it-all” mindset to a leadership mentality
How to use job platforms like Indeed effectively without breaking the bank
How to structure a hiring process that finds culture-fit, not just skillset
How to conduct work interviews that benefit both you and the candidate
How to use SOPs to simplify and strengthen your training
How to avoid the common trap of rushing a hire under pressure
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
In this powerful episode, host Monica welcomes financial expert and Young Money podcast host Tracie Bissett to talk about one of the most stressful aspects of entrepreneurship, cash flow. With real talk and clear advice, this episode uncovers the common money mistakes entrepreneurs make, how to fix them, and why understanding your numbers can literally save your business. Whether you're in your first few months or pushing toward seven years or seven figures, this is the money conversation you didn't know you needed.
Episode Quote: Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it's the lifeblood of business. ~ Richard Branson.
Episode Sponsor: Kickstart Your Business Program
What you will learn in this episode:
How to stop feeling confused when looking at your P&L
How to manage your cash flow with confidence—not fear
How to avoid the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make
How to start paying yourself without guilt or guesswork
How to use pricing strategy to improve your bottom line
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
Sometimes, the losses we face aren’t the end—they’re actually redirection. In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica shares a powerful story about her daughter’s recent run for class president. She gave it her all, worked hard, and still came up short, but just days later, an unexpected win changed everything.
This story is more than just about her; it’s about you as an entrepreneur. Business is full of wins and losses: clients say no, campaigns flop, and doors close. But sometimes those losses open new doors we could never have imagined.
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on setbacks, resilience, and how to keep showing up when things don’t go your way.
You win some, you lose some. But always keep fighting. ~Unknown
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why losing isn’t failure—it’s preparation for your next big win✅ How to reframe setbacks as redirection instead of roadblocks✅ Practical ways I reset and refocus when business feels overwhelming✅ The key questions every entrepreneur should ask to grow smarter (not just bigger)
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What happens when your message doesn’t match your audience? In this episode, Monica shares a powerful insight sparked by her return to the classroom and how it reminded her of a critical truth every entrepreneur needs to hear. With humor, honesty, and experience from over 20 years in business, she unpacks why how you say something matters just as much as what you’re saying. From academia to email marketing, this episode is a must-listen reminder that your words have the power to build bridges or barriers.
Episode Quote: The art of communication is the language of leadership. ~James Humes
Questions answered:
Why is simple communication so important in business?
How does academic communication differ from customer communication?
What should every business owner keep in mind when writing or speaking to customers?
What’s one mistake that might be causing your customers to walk away?
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Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com
Ready to sharpen your communication game and connect better with your audience?Listen to the full episode now, subscribe to the show, and leave a review to help more business owners like you find these valuable insights.
In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica shares a message every entrepreneur needs to hear: seasonality is normal. Whether you’re in your first year or your fifteenth, slower seasons are part of the journey, but they don’t have to be scary. Monica opens up about her own experience navigating over two decades of business ups and downs, offering practical, powerful strategies to help you stay afloat and even thrive when sales take a dip. From building a financial buffer to planting seeds for future success, this episode will change the way you see the “off” season.
Episode Quote: In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity." ~Albert Einstein
Questions answered:
What causes seasonal slowdowns in small businesses?
How can you predict when your business will have a lull?
What should you do when revenue drops unexpectedly?
How do you know if a downturn is seasonal or a red flag?
How can you make slow seasons less stressful and more productive?
Episode Sponsor: Kickstart Your Business
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Who's Monica?
Monica Allen grew up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom who had her at age 18, her grandmother and uncle. Living below the poverty line for all of her young life, Monica was determined to break the cycle. Being the first in her immediate family to attend a 4 year university, Monica worked in the field of insurance as a benefits broker for 8 years and earned her Masters in Business Administration.
Leaving to set out on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, she is now a serial entrepreneur owning several businesses. She is co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS and Deuce Equity Group. She is the sole proprietor of Monica Allen Interiors and an Amazon Bestseller (The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More).
She loves equipping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers and small business owners with tips to launch, grow and scale their business while avoiding the many pitfalls of entrepreneurship. She believes that being surrounded by positive people, believing in yourself, and having faith in God has led to her success.
Have some Feedback?
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends or fellow entrepreneurs. Don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon or wherever you get your podcast to get automatic episode updates for "Become Your Own Boss!" And, finally, please take a minute to leave an honest review and rating on iTunes or Audible. This truly is what helps the podcast grow.
Ways to reach Monica:
Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast
Email: monica@monicaallen.com