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Although I work in the AI group of a large tech company, I've been holding off on sharing my personal business experience with AI. However, I’m now excited to share that I’ve been selected to speak at an upcoming SCORE workshop, where I’ll be presenting a session titled “AI Is Your Assistant…But You’re Still the Boss.” The title is intentional. Over the past year, I’ve explored more than a dozen AI and AI-enabled tools—everything from content creation and design to automation and marketing support. And while the promise is real, so are the challenges. Feature overlap is everywhere. Tools are increasingly complex. Some produce graphics that look… unwell. Others confidently generate responses that are polished, persuasive, and completely wrong. AI can move fast—but it doesn’t know your context, your customer, or your lived experience. Where I’ve seen the most benefit is in content creation automation. AI can absolutely help you get unstuck, generate structure, and save time. But every output still requires a fine-toothed comb. I review, revise, fact-check, and—most importantly—add my own perspective. That’s the difference between content that sounds automated and content that feels human. This upcoming workshop isn’t about chasing every new tool or outsourcing your thinking. It’s about understanding where AI actually helps, where it doesn’t, and how to stay in control of your business while using it wisely. AI can be a powerful assistant.But leadership, judgment, and accountability? That part is still on you. More to come soon.

Sometimes business slows because of strategy. And sometimes it slows because of weather, health, or life—none of which ask for permission. A storm rolls through. Power goes out. Your body says “not today.” Last week, I was under the weather, and it made me wonder about a few things: In those moments when things aren't right, growth plans don’t matter. What matters is whether your business can hold itself together without you for a few days . That’s contingency planning. Real Contingency Planning Isn’t a Document It’s capacity. Most small businesses don’t stop because systems fail. They stop because the owner is the system . When everything runs through one person—one inbox, one calendar, one brain—any interruption becomes a full stop. That’s not poor planning. It’s just unsustainable. The Quiet Risk of Doing It All Yourself Many business owners can keep everything moving—until they can’t. Weather disruptions, family needs, and health issues don’t announce themselves in advance. They just arrive. And when they do, the cost isn’t only lost time—it’s delayed communication, missed follow-ups, and unnecessary stress. That’s where contingency planning stops being theoretical and becomes personal. Fractional Support Is Built for Moments Like This Fractional employees, like virtual assistants, aren’t about scaling faster. They’re about staying steady . They provide continuity when you need to step back: Monitoring inboxes Communicating delays or updates Rescheduling appointments Keeping admin and billing moving Holding the operational floor while you recover You’re not outsourcing leadership. You’re sharing load . The Goal Isn’t “Business as Usual” It’s resilience. Contingency planning doesn’t mean preparing for worst-case scenarios every day. It means acknowledging that pauses will happen—and designing your business so those pauses don’t become crises. Fractional support gives you flexibility without overcommitting. It allows your business to bend instead of break. A Simple Check-In If you had to step away unexpectedly for a week, what would still function? If the answer is “very little,” that’s not a judgment. It’s information. And it’s an invitation to build support before you’re forced to. Strong businesses aren’t built by people who never stop. They’re built by people who planned for when they need to.

Discovering My Passion for Travel When I was about eight years old, I really wanted to travel. I didn’t have the words for it then, and I definitely didn’t have a passport. Yet, I remember looking at maps, watching planes in the sky, and wondering what life looked like somewhere else. My curiosity was strong. I was fascinated by places, people, accents, and food. That curiosity never left me. It took me to over 33 countries in a short time. I always wanted to write a book about my travels. I kept writing notes but often put them aside. Fast forward to early this year, and everything changed. A Turning Point in My Journey I was part of the Milestones Circle program by Nasdaq. I was surrounded by other solopreneurs who understood the juggling act of building, working, caregiving, dreaming, and repeating. During one of our conversations, I casually mentioned that I was writing a children’s book. I didn’t say it confidently. I didn’t have a plan. I just spoke honestly. My accountability partner, Tonya Ludwig, smiled and said something like, “That’s funny — I run a publishing company.” Tonya is the owner of Wilt & Wade Publishing . That moment changed everything for me. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was simple. I said my dream out loud. The right person heard it. Suddenly, what had been an almost forgotten project became something I couldn’t ignore anymore. The Creative Process Working on Skies Above the Caribbean didn’t feel like another item on my to-do list. In the middle of a very full life, this book became a sanctuary. It was a place where I could feel lighter — to create without pressure, without overthinking, and without trying to optimize anything. The Caribbean has always been more than just a destination for me. It’s about culture, warmth, rhythm, pride, and history. However, growing up, I didn’t always see that world reflected in children’s books. I wanted to write a book that made travel feel familiar and possible. I aimed to create the kind of book I would have loved to read as a bookworm at eight years old. One that made curiosity feel normal. One that quietly said, " you belong out there too." Who This Book Is For My book is for the child who looks up at the sky when they hear an airplane and wonders what lies beyond the clouds. It’s for the parent who wants their child to grow up with perspective. It’s for families who understand that travel isn’t about luxury — it’s about imagination and possibility. The Joy of Creation What surprised me most was how much joy the process brought me. In a season filled with busy calendars and layered responsibilities, this project reminded me that not all meaningful work drains you. Some of it restores you. Skies Above the Caribbean exists because of an early love for travel, one honest conversation, a trusted accountability partner, and the decision to follow something that felt genuinely good. The Power of Connection This journey taught me the importance of sharing our dreams. When we voice our aspirations, we invite others to support us. It’s amazing how one conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities. I encourage you to share your dreams, too. You never know who might be listening. Celebrating Small Wins Every step in this journey deserves celebration. Whether it’s finishing a chapter or sharing your work with someone, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. Each small win builds momentum and fuels your passion. Embracing the Journey As I reflect on this journey, I realize that the act of creating is just as important as the final product. It’s about the experiences, the lessons learned, and the connections made along the way. Embrace your journey, no matter where it leads you. Conclusion Sometimes, the reason to create is simply that it feels good. It’s a reminder that we can follow our passions and share our stories with the world. So, take that leap. Write that book. You never know where it might lead you. And sometimes, that’s reason enough to create...and celebrate.

If I could sit across from my younger self right now, I wouldn’t give her a to-do list or a five-year plan. (Picture caption: Me at 15, a prefect at Knox College (High School), Jamaica) I’d tell her this: You’re going to spend a lot of time chasing “security” through achievement. That’s not wrong — but it’s incomplete. Money matters. It creates options. It buys time. It reduces stress. But money alone won’t give you peace if your life is overfilled and under-supported. Peace comes from alignment — between what you’re building and the life you actually want to live. I’d tell her to pay attention to how tired she feels  when things are supposedly going well. That fatigue is information. Not failure. Not weakness. Information. I’d also tell her that time is the only resource that never replenishes — and the mistake isn’t spending it, it’s spending it on things other people could do just as well (or better). Delegation isn’t indulgent. It’s respect for your future self. And finally, I’d tell her this: You don’t need to optimize every season of your life. Some seasons are for growth. Some are for maintenance. Some are for rest. And some are for choosing calm over chaos — even when the spreadsheet says you could  push harder. The real win isn’t doing everything (by yourself). It’s building a life where the important things don’t constantly compete with each other. If you’re in a season where you’re rethinking how much is enough — you’re not behind. You’re getting wiser. What would you tell your younger self right now?

As we move into 2026, our focus shifts from laying the foundation to strengthening what we’ve built. If 2025 was about proving the concept, 2026 is about refining it — taking what we learned, what worked, and what challenged us, and using that clarity to grow with intention. One of the biggest lessons from our first year was this: growth doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from doing the right  things, consistently, with the right support in place. What 2026 Represents for AndWhich In 2026, AndWhich is focused on three core priorities: 1. Deepening Impact, Not Just Expanding Reach. We’re committed to serving small businesses more effectively by meeting them where they actually are — overwhelmed, time-constrained, and often unsure what to delegate first. That means clearer onboarding, smarter task scoping, and ensuring that support truly translates into reclaimed time and momentum. 2. Creating More Opportunities for Women Returning to Work. We will continue to expand flexible, meaningful work opportunities for women who want to re-enter the workforce on their own terms. Not just tasks, but confidence, skills, and sustainable income pathways that fit real life. 3. Building Systems That Last. 2026 is about strengthening our operational backbone — processes, partnerships, and accountability structures that allow us to scale responsibly without losing the human element that makes AndWhich work. What This Means for You If you’re a small business owner or founder reading this, 2026 is also an opportunity to reset how you work. Instead of asking: How do I get more done? Try asking: What should I stop doing myself? Where is my time best spent? What support would actually move the needle? The most successful businesses we’ve worked with didn’t grow by pushing harder — they grew by letting go of tasks that no longer required their direct involvement. A Shared Goal for the Year Ahead Our goal for 2026 is simple: To help more people build businesses — and careers — that are sustainable, supported, and aligned with the lives they want to live. That means fewer late nights spent catching up. Fewer weeks lost to busywork. And more space for strategy, creativity, and growth. As we step into the new year, we invite you to reflect alongside us — not just on what you want to achieve in 2026, but on how  you want to work while achieving it. Because growth feels different when you don’t have to do it alone.

2025 was a pivotal year for AndWhich. Launching a new nonprofit wasn't easy. Read more below. As 2025 comes to a close, we’ve been spending time reflecting on what this year truly represented for us. Not just the milestones, but the lessons that came from building something new in real time. This was the year we founded AndWhich  — turning an idea into a nonprofit designed to support small businesses that are stretched thin and women re-entering the workforce who are looking for meaningful, flexible opportunities. Like most first years, it wasn’t polished or predictable. It required learning fast, adjusting often, and staying committed even when the roadmap wasn’t fully clear. One of the biggest validations came early on when we secured our first clients . It confirmed what we believed from the start: small business owners don’t need more advice — they need practical support that actually frees up their time. At the same time, we leaned into mentorship, working closely with SCORE , whose guidance helped us pressure-test our model, ask better questions, and think beyond short-term wins toward long-term sustainability. A highlight of the year was our experience at the Small Business Expo , where we transformed our booth into a pop-up podcast studio. Throughout the day, entrepreneurs stopped by to practice their 30-second pitch, talk through their ideas, and reconnect with their “why.” The conversations were honest, energizing, and a powerful reminder of how much potential exists when people are given space to be heard. A sincere thank-you to The Show Producers and the Expo organizers  for creating an environment that truly supported small businesses and mission-driven organizations. Looking back, 2025 was about laying the foundation — building relationships, listening closely, and learning where support makes the biggest difference. It wasn’t about doing everything right. It was about doing the work, showing up consistently, and creating something worth growing. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will explore 2026 goals and how you can achieve yours too.

Running late to meetings lately? Could be a sign of delegation deficiency! Talk to AndWhich! A comedic case study in doing too much… again. Ever notice how the weeks you promise  yourself you’ll stay ahead are the very weeks life starts lifing and before you know it, you're juggling big time, again! Yeah. That was my Friday. I sat down at 6 am, as I usually do, to write my weekly post — you know, the polished, inspirational, “We’ve got this” content you amazing readers deserve — and instead I found myself doing the following: Replying to emails Starting a task list for the task list Looking for my charger Finding the charger on top of the fridge (don’t ask) Cleaning the fridge Wondering why I’m suddenly deep-cleaning like I’m on a productivity show I didn’t audition for By 6 pm, the only thing I’d “written” was a grocery list and one aggressive sticky note that says DELEGATE, WOMAN. Meanwhile, my unfinished blog stared at me like a disappointed kid in a candy store. The Plot Twist? I wasn’t late because I didn’t have things to say. I was late because I thought I  had to say everything… and  do everything… and  fix everything… by myself. When you don’t delegate, here’s what actually happens: 1. Time bends. Suddenly 9 a.m. becomes 4 p.m., and you have no idea how you got there. NASA should really study small-business owners. We’re out here breaking every known law of physics. 2. Small tasks become emotional support animals. You keep them around “just in case,” even though they don’t help you and they definitely don’t pay rent. 3. You end up late… to your own life. Late to your content, your clients, your dinner, your sleep schedule, and definitely that self-care routine you swear you’re starting on Monday. So Here We Are. A Friday blog posted on a Sunday, that was supposed to be on time… but is instead an honest little reminder: When you don’t delegate, "life" laughs — and your calendar cries. But here’s the good news: You’re human. You’re juggling a lot. And it’s fixable. This very blog?Finished only because I finally took my own advice: Delegate the busy. Delegate the boring. Delegate the backlog. Keep the things that actually move you forward. Read more in my eBook: Delegate like a boss . And if you don’t have "someone" to delegate to yet? Oh look…That’s literally what AndWhich exists for.

Last week, I wrote about hitting the wall and recognizing the real signs of burnout. Believe me, I wrote from the heart. I've been there. This week I want to focus on Gratitude. Not because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but because we are nearing the end of the year, and it would be kinda cool to flip the script. Instead of looking back, let's look forward! Let's be thankful about the things we don't yet have. The things that aren’t here yet, but we’re claiming anyway. The things that keep us hungry, hopeful, and in motion. Here are five things to be grateful for — even if they’re still on the way: 1️⃣ The Opportunities You Haven’t Met Yet The email that hasn’t hit your inbox. The introduction you didn’t see coming. The client who will say yes n e xt month. Be g rateful now — because momentum typically shows up right after you almost  gave up. 2️⃣ The Confidence You’re Growing Into Not the pretend confidence. Not the “I’ve got it all figured out” mask. The real, ea rned confidence that only comes from showing up on the days you want to hide. You’re becoming someone braver than you were last year — that alone deserves gratitude. 3️⃣ The Team You’re Building (Even If It’s Just You Today) The support you need is forming — one connection, one skill, one delegated task at a time. Be grateful for the people who are coming to help you build the next chapter. If you haven't read it yet, download my eBook : How to Delegate like a boss. 4️⃣ The Peace You Haven’t Had in a While One day you’ll look back at this season and realize it was shaping you, not breaking you. Be grateful for the clarity, calm, and margin that’s on its way. 5️⃣ The Version of You You Haven’t Fully Met Yet The stronger, healthier, more focused version of you — the one who sets bold boundaries, protects his/her time, and leads with intention. It's coming. And you're worth the gratitude right now. This Friday isn’t about what’s missing. It’s about what’s moving. What’s shifting. What’s growing under the surface. Be grateful for what’s coming — because it’s already in motion. Happy Friday, and cheers to everything you’re becoming.

By Jannine Mahone, Co-Founder of AndWhich There are days when even the strongest women crash. Not because they’re weak — but because they’ve been carrying too much  for too long without putting anything down. I know this firsthand.I’m a full-time professional. I run a nonprofit. I’m a spouse caregiver. And like so many women, I’ve spent years telling myself, “I can handle it.” Until one day, I couldn’t. The signs were subtle at first: a pounding in my chest after a long day, an exhaustion that sleep couldn’t cure, snapping at people I love, staring at my to-do list in total paralysis. Then there were the days when I hit the wall so hard I genuinely wondered if it was worth continuing anything  — the nonprofit, the job, the responsibilities. Burnout makes your brain irrational, hopeless, and loud. This is what we don’t talk about enough: Burnout doesn’t just steal your energy. It steals your clarity, your patience, your joy, and eventually your purpose. But it doesn’t have to get that far. Know the Symptoms Before They Take You Down Burnout rarely begins as a dramatic collapse. It starts quietly: You wake up tired no matter how long you sleep. The smallest tasks feel like mountains. You feel yourself getting snappy, irritable, or emotional. Your chest feels tight or your heart races. You’re overwhelmed to the point of doing nothing at all. You want to quit the things you care about most. These are not personality flaws.They are warning signs . Women especially tend to ignore them because we’ve been conditioned to “push through.” But pushing through is exactly how burnout turns from a bad week into a full-blown crisis. Step Back Before You Break The first step in preventing burnout is awareness. The second step is permission — permission to pause. When you see the signs, don’t judge yourself. Don’t guilt yourself.Just stop. Take a short walk.Drink some water.Go lay down for ten minutes.Let the task wait.Let someone else help. You’re not abandoning your responsibilities. You’re protecting your ability to keep showing up for them — in a healthy way. Why Delegation Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Lifeline Here’s the hard truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup, and trying to do everything yourself is the fastest way to drain it. Delegation is not about being fancy, or lazy, or “being a boss.”Delegation is healthcare. When you hand off tasks — especially the repetitive, draining, or time-eating ones — you reclaim: Your energy Your creativity Your emotional balance Your time Your ability to lead Your ability to breathe The moment you feel burnout creeping in is the exact moment to offload what’s weighing you down — not after you break. This is why AndWhich exists: to give overwhelmed founders, women professionals, and caregivers the extra pair of hands they’ve been trying to grow themselves. If You’re Overwhelmed, Start Here To help you identify your burnout signs early, build a smarter support system, and delegate with confidence, I created a free resource that I wish I had years ago: Download the e-book: Delegate Like a Boss A practical, no-nonsense guide to taking back your time, your peace, and your life. You’ll learn: How to spot burnout before it explodes What tasks to delegate immediately How to prepare your business (or household) for smooth delegation Tools and templates to make getting help effortless The mindset shift that finally lets you stop doing it all yourself If you’re overwhelmed — truly overwhelmed — this e-book is going to feel like oxygen. You deserve help. You deserve rest. You deserve to breathe. This week, let the message be simple: You are not failing. You are overloaded. And overload has a solution. Start with one step:Download the e-book, read it tonight, and let’s rebuild your capacity together — one delegated task at a time. Download Delegate Like a Boss  now and give yourself the relief you’ve been denying. Stay tuned for more in the series. Thank God I Finally...wrote this blog!

Podcasting isn’t just a content trend anymore — it’s one of the most powerful ways to build trust, visibility, and consistent income in today’s attention economy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or side hustler with something valuable to share, a podcast can become your most profitable business asset. Here’s how to transform your microphone into a money-making machine — one step at a time. 1. Start with Purpose and Profit in Mind Every successful podcast starts with clarity.Ask yourself: What do I want this podcast to achieve? Maybe you want to build authority, sell services, attract sponsors, or grow a community. The key is to align your show’s content with your long-term business goals. Think of your podcast as part of your ecosystem — not a separate project. Each episode should guide listeners toward your products, services, or mission in a natural, value-driven way. Pro Tip:  Avoid broad “general interest” shows. The more specific your audience, the easier it is to attract loyal followers and paying partners. 2. Build a Brand, Not Just a Podcast Your podcast is your voice made visible. The name, tone, and visuals should all reinforce your expertise and personality. Pick a title that’s clear and searchable, a tagline that explains the promise, and artwork that stands out in directories.Keep your branding consistent across social media, website, and email — repetition builds recognition and trust. A consistent intro, outro, and posting schedule make you sound professional, even if you’re just recording from home.Listeners remember familiarity — and familiarity creates loyalty. 3. Monetize with Multiple Streams There’s more than one way to earn from podcasting.Try mixing these models to diversify your income: Sponsorships:  Offer ad spots to brands that align with your listeners. Affiliate marketing:  Recommend tools or services you love and earn commissions. Service promotion:  Use your podcast to demonstrate expertise and attract clients. Memberships and Courses:  Offer exclusive or extended episodes behind a paywall. Events and Workshops:  Bring your community together for ticketed experiences. Donations:  Invite your biggest fans to support your show directly. Remember — the goal isn’t to sell constantly. It’s to serve consistently.When your content solves problems, listeners want  to support your work. 4. Create a Funnel Behind the Mic The biggest mistake most podcasters make? Not having a follow-up plan.Every episode should invite listeners to take one simple, specific next step — download a resource, subscribe to your newsletter, or book a consultation. Use a lead form on your website and deliver something valuable instantly (like a free checklist, template, or mini guide).Then, nurture those leads through email. Share behind-the-scenes stories, useful links, or bonus content that keeps you top of mind. Your podcast attracts attention. Your email list converts it. 5. Pitch Sponsors the Smart Way Brands aren’t buying airtime — they’re buying alignment .Instead of focusing on downloads, highlight your audience profile: who they are, what they value, and how they engage. Include your demographics, engagement data, and episode themes in a short pitch deck. Offer tiered sponsorships — for example, $250 per episode or $2,000 per quarter. Pro Tip:  Always personalize your pitch. Show potential sponsors how partnering with your show amplifies their impact. 6. Measure What Matters Don’t get lost in vanity metrics. Focus on what drives real growth: How many people join your email list after each episode? How many new clients or donors mention the podcast? Which episodes generate the most clicks or conversations? Podcasting success is cumulative. The more value you deliver, the stronger your relationships — and revenue — become. 7. Turn Listeners into Long-Term Relationships Your podcast should be more than content; it should be a community.Engage with your listeners on LinkedIn or Instagram. Ask them questions. Invite them to share how they’ve applied what they’ve learned. When people feel seen and heard, they stay connected — and connection always converts. Final Thoughts Podcasting gives you a unique advantage: it builds voice-based trust. When someone hears your expertise and personality week after week, they feel like they know you. And people buy from those they trust. Start simple. Record three episodes, add a call to action, and share it everywhere.Your voice has value — it’s time to turn it into revenue. (Get the complete templates, funnel map, and sponsorship pitch deck when you subscribe.)

If you’re like most small business owners, you probably walked out of the Small Business Expo with a tote full of business cards, a brain full of ideas, and a heart full of inspiration — maybe even from stopping by our AndWhich “ Delegate Like a Boss Podcast Corner .” But here’s the truth: networking only works if you follow up. And yet, most people never do.Why? Because nobody wants to be that  person — the one who pops up in someone’s inbox sounding pushy, random, or worse... desperate. The good news? There’s a way to reconnect with confidence and authenticity — and build relationships that actually turn into collaborations, referrals, and maybe even clients. Here are three next steps  to follow up without being creepy. 💌 1️⃣ Lead with Gratitude, Not Sales Within a week of the event, send a short message to the people you genuinely connected with.Start with “thank you,” not “buy this.” Example: “It was great chatting with you at the Small Business Expo — I really enjoyed hearing about your work in [industry/topic]. I loved your energy and wanted to stay in touch.” Keep it light and human. If you talked about something specific (like how overwhelmed they felt by their inbox or their next launch), reference it briefly. Then end with an easy call to action: “Let’s connect on LinkedIn — I’d love to follow your work!” No hard sell. No calendar link. Just connection. 🎙️ 2️⃣ Use Content as Your Conversation Starter Instead of pushing your business, share something that adds value. If you met someone who said they’re overwhelmed by {name that problem], send them a link to a blog you wrote that explains how to handle that issue. Share customer references and examples so they can relate. You’re not pitching — you’re helping .That small gesture shows you listened, and it positions you as someone who gives before asking. 🤝 3️⃣ Stay Present — But Don’t Hover Following up once is enough. If you don’t hear back, move to gentle visibility mode . That means: Connect on LinkedIn  and comment on their next post. Engage naturally — share a quick “Congrats!” or “Love that idea.” When you post your own content (customer stories, real world examples, cool ideas), tag relevant people from the Expo if it feels appropriate. The point is to stay top of mind  without being in their face. Over time, they’ll remember you as the friendly professional who made a genuine impression — not another follow-up email they had to dodge. 💡 Pro Tip: Make the Follow-Up About “Us,” Not “Me.” Instead of saying, “I’d love to tell you more about my services,”say,“I think there may be some alignment between what you’re doing and how we help companies work smarter.” That subtle shift keeps the tone collaborative, not salesy. ✨ Final Thought Following up isn’t about chasing. It’s about continuing a conversation that started naturally. If you lead with curiosity, gratitude, and generosity, you’ll never come across as creepy — you’ll come across as memorable. And if you’re one of the many small business owners who told us you’re ready to delegate and breathe again, now’s the perfect time to take that next step. 👉 Start small. Start now. Explore the Bronze Package  — and let’s keep the Expo energy going all year long.