The Dance CEO Podcast

Audra Queen reflects on how people pleasing impacts dance business owners, sharing personal insights and practical strategies to set healthy boundaries, overcome fears, and create a balanced, authentic life.HighlightsThe impact of people pleasing on dance business growthStrategies for setting healthy boundariesOvercoming fears of rejection and lossThe importance of self-awareness and self-carePractical steps to shift from people pleasing to authentic livingResourcesCuriosity Call with Audra QueenChapters00:00The Challenge of People Pleasing in Dance02:43Overcoming Fear and Setting Boundaries05:39The Importance of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth08:07Curating Relationships and Access to Your Time11:19The Journey to Healthy Yes and No14:16Embracing Change and Personal Transformation17:06Celebrating Progress and Moving Forward

Are you struggling to get dancers onboard or hesitant to sell your services? In this episode, dance CEO expert Audra Queen shares powerful insights into how scarcity mindset—particularly prevalent in the dance world—holds back growth and success. Learn how to shift your mindset, serve more effectively, and create a thriving dance business.HIGHLIGHTSThe core characteristics of the scarcity mindset among dancersHow limiting beliefs around money, time, and worth impact salesPersonal stories of overcoming scarcity and implementing mindset shiftsPractical strategies to meet dancers where they are and remove barriersThe importance of leading by example in service-based businessesDetails about the upcoming free Balance Dance CEO Schedule Reset workshopWhy investing in your mindset is crucial for sustainable growthRESOURCES & LINKSBalance Dance CEO Schedule Reset Workshop — Free, April 7th, ZoomCuriosity Call — No Hard Sales Chat To See If I am Able To Support You On Your JourneyCONNECT WITH AUDRA QUEEN:Instagram - @TheDanceCEOCoachEmail - [email protected], your mindset around scarcity or abundance directly influences your capacity to serve dancers and grow your business. The shift begins now—take action, invest in yourself, and lead by example to unlock your full potential.

Are you putting everyone else before yourself? It's time to flip the script! In this episode, we dive into the crucial need for dance professionals to prioritize themselves in order to achieve true success. Remember, self-care isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity! The conversation delves into the importance of prioritizing oneself in the dance world, challenging the culture of putting oneself last, and the impact of personal focus on professional success. It also explores the depth of self-care and the significance of addressing personal challenges for sustainable growth.HighlightsPrioritize Yourself for lasting successSustainable ShiftLinksInstagramYoutube PodcastThe Dance CEO CoachChapters00:00 The Importance of Prioritizing Yourself05:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life11:13 The Depth of Self-Care

In this episode, the host - Audra Queen, discusses the concept of a 'trust recession' impacting businesses, especially in the dance industry. As trust declines, it's becoming harder for businesses to convert potential clients. The rise of online businesses and AI has made trust a scarce commodity. To combat this, the host suggests being genuine, consistent, and transparent. Building long-term relationships rather than seeking immediate transactions is crucial. Dance entrepreneurs should offer more face-to-face interactions and engage authentically with their community to rebuild trust and ultimately achieve business growth.What are you thoughts about the Trust Recession and how to navigate it?Let me know via one of the ways below:Instagram @thedanceceocoachEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of Season 4, I answer the question "what happened to the rest of season 3?!" It's a story worth listening to.I share the details of my personal challenges and the mistakes I made in my business along the way.If you've been following along, thank you and thanks for continuing to be here even after a pause.If you're not so interested in the story, no worries. Just skip ahead to the next episode! It's one you definitely don't want to miss.Also...we just launched the youtube version of this podcast! You can go there by clicking here to watch this episode instead of just listening. Make sure to subscribe and follow!What did you think of this episode? Let me know by contacting me via the following methods:DM on Instagram: @thedanceceocoachEmail [email protected]

So excited to share with you this weeks episode guests, Kristen Fraclas & Hannah Schayes, co-hosts of the Abun(dance) Podcast. In this dicussion we talk through the process of how their podcast came to be, their dance backgrounds and next steps for each of us. If you've wondered what it's like to be a podcast host, especially in the world of dance, this is the episode for you. Highlights: How a traditional dance path can lead to unexpected careers What it's like starting and hosting a dance podcast What's ahead for the future Links/Free Resources: Laban Notation The Dance CEO Society™ Community Follow & Connect: @abundance_podcast @kristen_faraclas @hannah_schayes @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

Today's epsiode dives into why clarity isn't coming, how to stop forcing it to come and what to do instead to make it a more easeful process. Speaking from personal experience of trying to force clarity for years in all areas of my life, the shift into ease and trusting the process has been a game changer. And I invite you to do experience the same transformation I have. Topics Discussed: What it means when the clarity isn't coming What you can do to get ready for when the the clarity comes What to do when you feel in a holding pattern Learn More: The Dance CEO Society Follows & Contacts: @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

Guest Shaté L. Hayes and I get real about the hustle culture and how it can lead to an entirely new career path, and what to about it. We also chat all things sustainable in your career and how strategy plays a key part in that. Join us to hear Shaté's journey that might seem familiar at first and then takes an unexpected turn. Guest Bio: From professional dancer/choreographer to adjunct dance professor teaching her students how to build sustainable careers to full-time career coach turned career program exec for EdTech organizations—Career Steward Founder, Shaté Hayes, has mastered the art of building a career on her own terms. Now, she's a career strategist and storyteller who helps creatives replace their job and income through consulting or independent contract work. If you’re ready to ditch the traditional 9-5, she can help you build a career on your own terms, too. Highlights: Why hustle isn't sustainable The benefits of choosing dance in college All the ways dance has helped us each build a unique career path Links/Free Resources: www.careersteward.co Light My Career Freebie The Dance CEO Society™ Community Dance CEO Masterclass Series Follow & Connect: @careersteward @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

Today's epsiode answers the question "if you don't have a tradtional dance business (aka dance studio), why are you trying to run it like one?" I share my own personal experience of struggling to apply traditional business knowledge to my virtual business back in 2018, and how the dance world is so unique that we have to be unique in our approaches to serve our communities and increase our businesses. It's not your fault if you have been struggling to run it in a traditional fashion, there haven't been many resources to tell you otherwise... until now. Topics Discussed: Why it's important you run your unique dance business, uniquely The reason for the extra challenges of dancers investing in your services What you need to do to change your approach What I do and teach my clients to do as well Learn More: The Dance CEO Society Follows & Contacts: @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

Guest Lauren Messina and I discuss what it's like to build your own community in the dance world, the unexpected changes in your life when you have children and what happens when you no longer dance full-time and how your identity changes. We both get deep and share personal expereinces and some of our "hows" of coming out on the other side. If you enjoy genuince conversation that organically finds its way, then this is the podcast for you. Guest Bio: Lauren Ashlee Messina, M.F.A. (she/her/hers) is a Big Easy Award-winning dance choreographer with a heart for community. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Lauren has developed her career in the Greater New Orleans area in collaboration with a variety of dance related organizations, in addition to the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans and NOVAC. She is a 2023-2024 cohort member for New Orleans Museum of Art's Creative Assembly and founder of Dance Hub Community on Skool. Highlights: The crossroads of community and dance How motherhood changes your dance path What happens with your identity as dancer when life changes Links/Free Resources: Skool Dance The Dance CEO Society™ Community Dance CEO Masterclass Series Follows & Contact: @laurenashleemessina @skooldance @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

In this solo episode I pull back the curtain on my 30's. That may not seem like a big deal, but my 30's were frought with so many challenges that I am in awe of where I am at 40 today. I've shared a little of my story here and there, but now I go all in. I share this to help you grow on your journey and learn what you need to from my own experiences. Running a dance business is not easy. Living life is not easy. But it doesn't have to stay in a long season of difficult. It CAN change. Topics Discussed: Why my first marriage ended What caused me to leave my Director of Dance position What it was like being a single mom for 4 years The process from being homeless to where I am now How many challenges led to the life I am blessed with today This episode is for anyone who feels they will never get out of the slog. That there will always and only be challenges. And maybe even hold onto a little hope that things can improve. Follows & Contacts: @thedanceceocoach [email protected]

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down five common (and harmful) beliefs that too many dance business owners carry — often without even realizing it. These lies sound like truth until burnout creeps in, passion fades, and running your business starts to feel like a grind.We’re unpacking beliefs like:“I have to say yes to everything or I’ll miss opportunities.”“If I’m not constantly working, I’m falling behind.”“I shouldn’t invest in myself until things slow down.”“It’s selfish to prioritize my needs.”“Money and art don’t mix.”You’ll hear honest reframes, grounded encouragement, and a reminder that you don’t have to burn out to build your dream.This episode is for the dance entrepreneur who’s ready to thrive — not just survive. Links:May 13 - Free Masterclass!Dance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintFollows & Contact:@[email protected]

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and is close to my heart because I am thriving with adult diagnosed autism and ADHD. In this episode I share education about autism, my personal story and how it connects to dance. You'll gain understanding and skills to improve how you show up to support others in the dance world, especially those with similar challenges.Highlights:Basic challenges of autismHow autism can negatively impact a dancers experienceWhat to be mindful of as a dance teacher, choreographer and business owner My personal challenges of undiagnosed autism and dance trainingLinks:May 13 - Free Masterclass!Dance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintFollows & Contact:@[email protected]

In this episode with guest Rachel Jenks, founder of Booty Kicking Ballerina, she shares an anything but ordinary journey from stopping being a professional dancer due to injury, to where she is now. We also talk deeply about internal healing and what it takes to embrace and love who you are regardless the title of dancer we are so used to embodying. Stick around til the end of the episode because we both share some deeply personal transitions we have had to undergo to be where we are today. Guest Bio:Rachel Jenks is a seasoned coach, NASM certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, personal trainer, and health coach who helps dancers and high performers reconnect with their bodies to move pain-free and achieve their best. Known as the Booty Kicking Ballerina, Rachel combines her expertise in movement, her professional ballet background, and her deep understanding of the mind-body connection to deliver transformative results for her clients.Her journey into coaching was deeply personal. After injury and unhealthy mindsets ended her professional ballet career and threatened her freedom of movement, Rachel refused to accept a life defined by chronic pain. Instead, she embarked on a decades-long healing journey that shaped her approach to movement and well-being. Along the way, she discovered her passionfor helping others heal from the inside out, strengthening not just their bodies but their whole selves.Rachel is dedicated to coaching and empowering her clients with thetools, knowledge, and support to thrive both physically and emotionally.Rachel is also the author of the Amazon bestseller Morning Tea: Daily Encouragements for Entrepreneurs and a sought-after public speaker. When she’s not coaching or training, she loves creating in the kitchen for her food blog, going on adventures, and spending time with friends and her two beloved cats.Highlights:It's possible to be to committed to danceWhat happens when forced to stop dancingHow dance experience can influence a path outside of itThe healing journey with oneselfThe mindset that shows you're thrivingWhat it means to Rachel to be the CEO of her life and business Links/Free Resources:https://mindset2movement.com/kaleyhttps://www.thedanceceocoach.com/societyDance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintDance CEO Masterclass Series Follows & Contact:@mindsettomove@[email protected]

This is usually one of the last things a dance business owner does for themselves, but is one of the most important! Becoming proactive in our rest is THE key to ensuring success and the ability to move our businesses and dreams forward. Listen on to learn the why and how to make this a realistic part of your life, without add to the burnout you're feeling. Highlights:what is active rest and why we need itthe 4 elements to holistic self-carehow to realistically apply active rest without jeopardizing your business what I do to make this happenLinks: March 11 - Free Masterclass!Dance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintFollows & Contact:@[email protected]

So many dance business owners go to the traditional business world to seek Information for themselves. But then struggle when what they learn isn't working in their own dance business. This is normal! And there is a way to work around this and even experience growth and success while you're at it. Highlights:4 traditional business practices that don't workHow to adjust to what does work for your dance businessPersonal experiences with self and clientsResources to help you achieve thisLinks:NEW Dance CEO Society™ membershipFeb 18 - Free Masterclass!Dance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintFollows & Contact:@[email protected]

Season 3 is here! We are almost 60 episodes in and have had so many guests. I can't wait to share with you the guests lined up for this season! I share a quick recap of the holidays and all the exciting things to look ahead this season. I also divulge some workshops coming up and ways we can work together. Highlights:New format for season 3Permission granted to take time to needQuick recap of holidaysMasterclasses coming upWays to work together Links:NEW Dance CEO Society™ membershipFeb 11 - Free Masterclass!Dance CEO Self-Care Routine BlueprintFollows & Contact:@[email protected]

It's time to reflect on this past year. And boy did it go so differently than I envisioned at the start of 2024. From coming out of survival mode, to launching a new membership and completing the practitioner AND mastery level of 3 certifications. So many things occurred.And I get into the juicy details about it.Also, this is the final episode for season 2. We are going on a holiday break and will be back for season 3 in January, with an amazing line up of high caliber guests!Links:https://www.thedanceceocoach.com/societyhttps://www.thedanceceocoach.com/masterclassFollows:@thedanceceocoach

An entrepreneurial mindset is often overlooked or not even recognized, especially in the dance world. But it is so crucially important to develop and have one.This week I share exactly what an entrepreneurial mindset is and how to develop it. And why it may be such a challenge for you and your dance business or career. Highlights:Defining an entrepreneur The unique approach in the dance worldWhy many in the dance world struggle with this identityHow to embrace the entrepreneurial mindsetLinks:https://www.thedanceceocoach.com/society Follows:@thedanceceocoach