I C O N I C ecomingB
TRACYYATES INTERVIEW
Tracyisasecretweaponfor entrepreneurs&CEOswho willdesireunprecedented breakthroughswithin themselves
AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS
Thekeystepsyoucantake tomakeyourbusiness supportyourbestlifewith BecomingIconic'sCOO.
ESSENSE WOMEN'SEDITION
CelebratingInternational Women'sDaywiththemost influentialwomenandhowJen isnavigatingbeingthesole incomeearnerforherhome
BECOMING ICONIC MAGAZINE MARCH 2023
Iwasrecentlyspeakingtoaformer clientwhoholdsaveryhighposition withinacompany.Sheexpressedher stressandfatiguefromcontinually beingbullied,ignoredandostracized becausesheisawomanmakingthe sameincomeasthemenwhoholdthe sametitle.Shesaidtheyareopenly sharingtheirbeliefthatsheshould notbepaidwhattheyaremaking.
Thisrunsdeepanditisstillvery prevalentinourworld.Itlookslike “theboysgoingforlunch”orwomen notbeingallowedtoleadwithina church.Itsoundslikecommentssuch as “womenaresoemotional”or“she ispregnantagain”asifthesethings aresetbacksorwrong.Weaswomen haveseen,heardandfeltthebiases, stiflingandbigotrysincethe beginningoftime.
Ibelievechanginghowwomenare celebratedandtreatedglobally,isa massivecalltoactiondaily.
Littlebylittlewewillchipawaythemisconceptionsandexpiredbeliefsbyrevealingourinfinite powerandpotential.Thisprocessisacommitmentwemustallmakeforfuturegenerations.Iwill continuetoaffirmthattherehasneverbeenamoreempoweredtimetobeawomanthennow.
HappyInternationalWomen’sDaysisters.
THE TIME OF THE AWAKENDED WOMAN
A poem by dr shafali Tsabary that is framed in jen's office as a daily reminder to lead as an awakened woman 10
ICONIC THOUGHT
The truth of what a liberated woman represents and how she leads it is different than what many are experiencing within the online space 14
FEATURED ENTREPRENEUR
Tracy Yates is a secret weapon to entrepreneurs and CEOs who desire to attain breakthrough growth within their lives and businesses
33
JENUINE CONNECTION
Jen shares her process for how she has navigated being the sole income earner for her family and the new paradigm for families
37
THE MOST INFLUENCIAL WOMEN IN MY LIFE
for international women's day, jen celebrates the ten most influential women that have touched her life
T A B L E O F
O N T E N T S
TRACY YATES
g g , andsoldhermarketingagencysupportingtheworld’sleading brands,likeGoogle,DisneyandAmazon
WearehonoredtofeatureherintheMarch2023issue
www.tracy-yates.com
@iamtracyyates
Contributor
WHIT RADACINA
WhitneyRadacinaistheCOOofBecomingIconic She specializesinautomationsthatfeelhumanandhascreated worldclasscustomerexperiencesthatseparateevery partnershipthroughtheagency,mentorshipandmagazinefor BecomingIconicanditsclients.
WearehonoredtofeatureherintheMarch2023issue.
becomingiconic.co/boutique-agency
@becomingiconicagency
@itswhitradacina
The time of the
Awakened Woman
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenshediscardsheroldwaysliketossedshoesinthegarbage
Whensheshredsherlistof“shoulds”andobligations
Andwhenimpossibleexpectationsareburnedinanincinerator
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whentheapprovalofothersoncejewelsnowturntopenniesinhersock
Whenthehuntforanotherisnowreplacedwithahuntforherself
Andwhenparentaltentaclesoftraditionnolongerdefinehertruth
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenherdesiretofitinwiththecrowddissolves
Whenhermaniccompulsiontobeperfectvaporizes
Andwhenherobsessiontobevotedpopulareviscerates
WRITTENBY DRSHAFALITSABARY WRITTENBY DRSHAFALITSABARY
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenshesimplysays“nomore”
Whenfacade,artifice,andguileleavehernauseated
Andwhenrighteousness,dogma,andsuperiorityrepulseher
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenshenolongerfearsconflictbutfacesitboldlylikealioness
Whensheguardsherauthenticityasfearlesslyassheguardsherbabies
Andwhenshedropstheroleofsaviorknowingshecanonlysaveherself
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenshenolongercowersintheshadowsofherunworthiness
Whenshenolongerplayssmallsootherscanfeelbig
Andwhensheswapstheroleofvictimfortheroleofcocreator
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whensheunabashedlyandboldlyoccupiesherultimatesovereignty
Whenshefinallyfeelsreadytoclaimherspaceintheworld
Andwhensheredefinescompassionasunequivocalself-love
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whensheunabashedlyandboldlyoccupiesherultimatesovereignty
Whenshefinallyfeelsreadytoclaimherspaceintheworld
Andwhensheredefinescompassionasunequivocalself-love
Therecomesatimeinthelifeofawoman
Whenshefinallyreleasesherchildlikedependenciesonothers
Whenshedarestorewriteanewmandateoflivingforherself
Onethatsays;
Ireleaseunworthinessandfear
Idivorceservilityandpassivity
Idivestinauthenticityandenmeshment
IendthepretenceofbeingsomeoneIamnot
AndfromnowonIdeclare…
Iwillascendintomyhighestpower
Iwillembracemygreatestautonomy
Iwillcelebratemydeepestworth
Iwillembodymyfiercestcourage
Andmanifestthemostauthenticme
Liberation; freedom from traditional ideas, concepts and social conventions. Releasing from a circumstance or state that limits the freedom of thoughts or behaviors.
ICONICthe
hought
Liberation;freedomfromtraditionalideas, conceptsandsocialconventions.Releasing fromacircumstanceorstatethatlimitsthe freedomofthoughtsorbehaviors
Iwanttoshareaperspectivethatisessentialfor ustoemulateasweboldlyuseourvoices, brillianceandpresencewithintheworld.A liberatedwomandoesn’tneedtoproveathing toanyonebecausesheisinfactliberated. Proving,hyping,puttingdown,comparingand passiveaggressiveenergiesdonotbelongtoa womanwhoistrulyliberated.Weareonthe rightpathbutwearenotalwaysdoingagreat jobatproclaimingourpowerandpotentialas women.
Iseeitplayoutwithconstantlysharingincome asastrategyandfollowingupwith“Iam normalizingwealthywomen”.
Writtenby JEn SZpigielThereisnothing“normal”aboutsharingyour incomeoverandoveragainandasamatterof fact,awealthy,liberatedwomandoesn’tneed toshareincomebecausehermerepresence speaksforitself.
Italsolookslikemarketingthatputsanideaor personsinashadowinordertobuildourown authority.Makingwomenwrongtomake yourselfrighthurtseveryone.Itisperpetuating oursisterhoodwounds.Weneverhavetoput downordampensomeoneelsetobuild ourselvesup.Thisisanoldparadigmthathas expired.Wearenotincompetition.
Liberatedwomenhavesharedcharacteristics andvaluesthatareseen,heardandfelt.They havedonethedeep,innerworktoacknowledge, forgiveandheal.
Thisis,withoutexception,thefoundationto ultimatefreedomfromthetentaclesofthe outsideworldandthekeytopersonal responsibility Theyalsohaveaconsciousness thatcan’tbeunseen.Whenyouarehealedand awakened,youcan’tundoyourawarenessto energy,lifeandpeople Itisatorchtocarryand itoffersempathy,compassionandmore opportunityforforgiveness
Liberatedwomenconnectwithjoy,vitalityand fulfillmentineverymoment Theydon’tgauge theirworthuponachievement,income,statusor evensocialacceptance.Theyfullycelebratethe presentmoment,liveinobsessivegratitudeand areunattachedtooutwardvalidation.
Thebiggestrevelationisthis Ratherthan provingyourvalueorworth,betheproof.There isasignificantdifferencewithinthis.Proving looksandsoundslikewhatIsharedalready. Beingtheproofmeansthatyouglidethrough yourdayallowingyouractions,character, confidenceandpoisetospeakforitself.Thereis somethingsomagneticaboutthat.
Youwillnolongerfeelmotivatedtobe“the best”andyoucertainlydon’trequireany accoladesfromtheworldtosolidifyyourworth Itisapeacefulconfidence.Idescribeitlikethis. Awomanentersaroomandshedoesn’tseekfor everyonetoacknowledgeherpresencebybeing loudorboisterous.
Shealsodoesn’t quietlytakeaseatat thebackoftheroom andtoensure everyoneelsehasa goodseatfor themselves Instead, shewalksinand makeseyecontact, piercesyouwithan energyofloveandmagnetismandyouwhisperto another“who’sthat?”incompleteawe.Shetakesa seatandgentlycrossesherlegandrestsherarmon thebackofherchair.Shewelcomesyouinandyou feellikeabetterpersonafterhavingevenamoment withher.That’speacefulconfidence.Thatisa liberatedwoman.Youwanttoknowherandcarryher exampleintoyourownlife
Therearemanymoregorgeousattributestoa liberatedwoman Thesearejustafewexamples My desireistosparkwithinyouafeelingofhowyou couldmovethroughyourday,weekandmonthsifyou didtheinnerwork,detachedyourselffromoutward validation,deeplyconnectedtoenergyandsource andfullyembracedwhoandwhoseyouare.
Howcanyouspendlesstimeprovingyourselfand moretimebeingtheproofwithhowyouleadandlive?
"Wearenot competition... Ratherthanproving yourvalueorworth, letyourpresencebe theproof."
Jen Szpigiel
Brand Muse THE
Details
AthreemonthinfusedexperiencebyBecomingIconicthatwill createaworldclassbrandtorepresentwhoarebecomingin2023.
Thisisyouropportunitytostepintothevisualsyouaredreamingof, useyourvoiceinawaythatpiercesthenoise,developaplanof actionforstrategicbusinessmovesandwillalsoprovideyouwith thetoolstoholdyourgrowth.
Result
You leave these 90 days with a deeper wisdom on marketing, branding and the ARTiculation of your messaging through private mentorship, brand + website design A full service, full body YES to the future of your company.
BecometheMUSEwithinyourindustry andproclaimyourvision.2023istheyear wherebuildingabrandisnolongeran option
B E C O M I N G I C O N I C
ENTRE FEATURED
EXCLUSIVEINTERVIEWS WITHBUSINESSWOMEN
MEET
TRACY YATES, WHO IS within themselves.
breakthrough growth
A SECRET WEAPON FOR ENTREPRENEURS & CEOS WHO ATTAIN & UNPRECEDENTED NEW HEIGHTS IN THEIR BUSINESS AND
As a serial builder of businesses for over two decades and award-winning strategist that started, scaled and sold my marketing agency supporting the world’s leading brands, like Google, Disney and Amazon, I am part Business Advisor. I help my clients discover new revenue streams, audiences, and products as well as unexpected paths forward that amplify income
As founders and CEOs we underestimate the deep emotional and energetic connection we have with our business and the profound impact it has on our results and growth.
@iamtracyyates tracy-yates.com
Having the right mindset is important, but it’s really difficult to sustain a winning outlook when your hidden beliefs and stagnant energy are unknowingly sabotaging your success and progress forward.
The other half of my work is a Transformational Guide. I use a rare trifecta of human potential, energy mastery and multi disciplined personal growth. It’s a non-surface, holistic approach to personal mastery in business for long-lasting shifts that compound for a lifetime. Through this my clients think and act bigger than ever before with more ease, amplify their leadership and increase their wealth while 100x their power in all spheres of life.
You built an eight figure agency and decided to walk away from it. Why did you make that decision and how did you find the courage to make such a courageous pivot?
It was not an easy decision, it took massive conviction in my vision along with unwavering self trust. I bootstrapped my agency to a multi million dollar business and ran it for over two decades. I scaled my business using my own medicine. I had proven it worked, but I found myself constantly questioning if I had another decade of marketing in me
I led some of the biggest product launches in the world, experiential campaigns for the Olympics and Super Bowl, and won industry awards, but I was strongly pulled into more impactful, meaningful work
It took courage, working through my fears, diving further into energy mastery but ultimately this wasn’t a decision that hinged on business models or viability in the marketplace. It was a conscious choice to make an impact in the world, do the work I’m here to do and create a business that aligned with my values.
So, I started my 4th business with a giant helping of self trust without following what expert marketers preach And, in the first year it grew to six figures and has grown 50% year over year to date that’s largely based on referrals. Without fancy funnels, lists and a giant social media following. I focused on strategies that aligned with my values, how I want to serve my clients and how I want to do business I do what I do with skill, depth with a highly curated experience that’s done differently to everyone else I’m committed to continually mastering my craft to get my clients the biggest breakthroughs and results. And, truthfully, what really matters in the first place.
"
...ultimately this wasn’t a decision that hinged on business models or viability in the marketplace. It was a conscious choice to make an impact in the world."
This leads us into one of your greatest teaching, the Ambition Paradox. Can you explain what this is to our audience?
The Ambition Paradox is the insidious pattern that ambitious entrepreneurs find themselves in On one hand they have an incredible drive to achieve, yet the behavior and energy to get there is a not-so obvious barrier to reaching their goals.
There’s several phases of the paradox such as; jumping directly into execution, ruminating in perfectionism, comparing ourselves to others, operating in unnecessary urgency, undercurrent of self doubt, and constant optimization mode. I was in this cycle for years, and so are my clients
We don't notice how this energy and what’s behind these patterns impacts everything. It slows our momentum, causes uncertainty, clouds decision making, dilutes innovation, decreases our confidence, limits our leadership, and fuels over-efforting From our communication with our teams and clients, internal confidence and self worth, our ability to hold bigger levels of financial success and the degree to which we sabotage our progress and receive larger opportunities.
While it can feel confronting to discover that we are in our own way, the best investment in your business is you. Because business at its highest level, is an internal and energetic game.
What are some of the most prominent ways Ambition Paradox shows up in an entrepreneur’s life and leadership?
It shows up in all areas in unassuming ways. And it not only impacts business, but our relationships and well being.
Founders work and work and work some more. They are so focused on growth, it takes over all aspects of their life. Self care becomes less of a priority, we feel worse in our bodies. We’ve normalized to be drained and exhausted and have less energy for what we love outside of work.Our personal relationships suffer, we aren’t fully present with our partners or kids and unknowingly create distance with those that matter most to us
Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster, with many ups and downs Honestly, owning a business is a high dive into personal growth It requires not only confidence, but conviction, extreme resilience and performance with unwavering belief in yourself and your vision
When you’re stressed and exhausted it has a direct impact on your nervous system, your brain and energy. It diminishes our performance, capacity to lead and get results
Leadership is the ability to inspire others by your actions, values and vision. It’s an energy that’s felt, a presence that when held speaks louder than any words. When we’re in the Ambition Paradox, we’re leading from an energy that dilutes how we show up, our expression of what we stand for, and our ability to build trust. It’s the difference between sounding like everyone else and standing out. Consumers are bombarded with information, it’s more important than ever to be bold and brave. It’s the “it factor” and is an energy which people respond to
Can you walk us through these examples and explain how we can recognize ourselves participating in it?
A very common pattern in entrepreneurs is doubt. It’s not easy to weather the oftentimes grueling and lonely journey while being the face of a company. Many times it can feel like driving a bus, changing the oil, building the map and while navigating uncharted territory - all at the same time. There’s a huge amount
And then there’s unnecessary urgency. Where every task feels urgent and must be done now! The overwhelm is like your hair’s on fire while juggling a multitude of tasks at the same time. Working extreme hours to get it all done, pushing harder and harder to get results If that was the answer, every business would be thriving!
What are important practices or tools we can use to reset if we catch ourselves within any of these examples above?
Become more self aware of how you feel, not what you think. Your body is a huge bank of wisdom that is often overridden by your monkey brain. Deepen your intuitive intelligence and learn how to listen, discern and trust it It’s one of the most widely underutilized skills we all have - and it is the secret to sales and building relationships.It’s one of the organic results that my clients experience from the work we do together. It’s a game changer not only in business, but will save you money, time and unnecessary chase in life.
"Energy is a powerful strategy, and a tool that’s magnetic and available to everyone when you know how to activate and leverage it in business."
Another is a pattern interrupt. I studied with a neuroscientist and learned how our brain processes information.Most entrepreneurs will grind all day, but this is the opposite energy of receiving and being in creative flow. Scheduling intentional breaks in our day to do something creative, listen to music or movement will change the energy and interrupt unproductive patterns.You’ll be amazed how it improves thinking, decision making and creativity.
What would be your greatest piece of wisdom to an entrepreneur who is desiring big breakthroughs this year?
Do the inner work! There’s a saying that clients are the lifeblood of a business, but the lifeblood as an entrepreneur is YOU. Go beneath the symptoms of your patterns, get curious and what might be driving them.We all have blindspots, our subconscious and unprocessed trauma drive 95% of how we see ourselves, what we believe to be possible and what actions we take - or don’t.
Don’t underestimate the power of energy Business is 80% energy and 20% strategy. You’re more than just your mind - you’re a mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual being. Energy is a powerful strategy, and a tool that’s magnetic and available to everyone when you know how to activate and leverage it in business
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely path. Get support from a mentor who has years of proven experience in business building, rather than following another person’s framework they’ve learned.
There’s seasons and stages of business that are nuanced. It’s a massive difference between making money in a few years and the skill of running a sustainable, thriving business.
I must ask you this because you are such a gift. How are you becoming iconic?
I’m committed to changing the way we think about business and redefining what it means to lead Through my private clients, my book and the work I’m doing within organizations - and the ripple effect it has in the world.
Discover your Higher Frequency of Success Blueprint™, an energetic assessment and personal analysis of what’s necessary to activate your full potential & prosperity.
"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them."
-Ada Lovelace
HOWAUTOMATINGYOUR BIZCANHELPYOULIVEYOUR BEST LIFE
Are you tired of spending hours typing out the same emails word for word, week after week? Or maybe you’re realising that preparing project proposals, invoices, and questionnaires every time you onboard a new client is eating up half of your work day Or maybe your work requires you to juggle multiple projects at once and you struggle to keep track of where each one is in the process, leaving you stressed and overwhelmed.
When you started your business, you probably didn’t anticipate that writing emails, scheduling meetings, or balancing your books would take up so much of your time. But the reality is that admin tasks are critical to keeping your business running, and they have to get done whether you like it or not!
Take a moment to think: How do you keep track of leads? What’s your process for onboarding a new client? What systems are in place for clients to communicate
Do you even have systems and processes in place?! If the answer is no, you might be spending too
much time reinventing the wheel every time you onboard a new client!
Before we go any further, I know what you’re thinking:
I’ll automate my systems when work slows down and I have more time.
I’ll set up systems and processes when I hire an assistant or bring on a new team member.
But I’ve got news for you. If you wait until then, it’ll be too late! You need to get your systems and automations in order TODAY.
What are systems and automations? client situations and so that you don’t have to waste your precious time on tasks that can easily be done automatically
Setting up systems and automations is exactly what it sounds like It’s putting processes in place so that you don’t have to spend time overthinking how to handle
"The key to protecting your creative energy is outsourcing the not-so-fun parts of your work, which allows you to focus your time and energy exclusively on your zone of genius"
For example, let’s say a potential client wants to inquire about working with you. Instead of going back and forth over email or DMs, they fill out a lead capture form on your website. After that, they automatically receive a canned email with next steps to book a discovery call on your calendar (no back and forth required!). If you both decide to move forward, your CRM creates a portal for the client where they review their project proposal
Once they accept the proposal, your CRM automatically populates and sends their contract and invoice for them to complete While you’re relaxing by the pool with a bevvie in hand or spending the day at the park with your kids, you’re booking projects AND getting paid with *zero* effort required on your part.
Sounds like a dream, right?!
If you’re already overwhelmed trying to juggle multiple client projects at once, on top of caring for your family and working a day job, then setting up systems and automations can feel like the LAST thing you want to put your time and energy into. I totally get it I’ve been there! But I promise the time you’ll actually end up saving is worth it in the end
Automations elevate your client experience.
Having systems and automations in place are also a super important part of your client experience. After clients get in touch with you, they’re not left wondering what their next steps are or when they’ll hear from you again because you have workflows set up to automatically communicate with them as soon as they complete the next step in the process.
A seamless onboarding and communication process is the key to elevating your client experience because it shows your clients that you’ve got your shit together, that you’re a pro at what you do, and most importantly, that they can trust you
A more streamlined and efficient process for you AND for your clients creates a better client experience, which leads to returning clients and epic referrals!
Systems allow you to focus on your zone of genius.
You started your business so that you could have more free time and more control over your life. What you (likely) didn’t sign up for is all the time-sucking back end work: emails, proposals, contracts, questionnaires, invoices, MORE emails, and other admin tasks. I mean, who starts a business so they can answer emails and create spreadsheets?!
As a business owner, you have to remember that you have limited capacity in a day. Systems and automations give you the freedom to step into your zone of genius by outsourcing the parts of your work that you may not enjoy as much
Your zone of genius is your area of expertise: the thing in your business that no one else can do the way you can Maybe it’s designing a killer brand identity, shooting scroll-stopping photography, or writing whip-smart copy.
But if you’re spending all your brain power answering emails, scheduling calls, and chasing clients to ask for payment, you’re probably feeling too exhausted to do the work you actually want to be doing!
The key to protecting your creative energy is outsourcing the not-so-fun parts of your work, which allows you to focus your time and energy exclusively on your zone of genius
Systems and automations are critical to sustainably growing your business so you don’t burn out and end up resenting your job because of the neverending admin work.
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE
PICTURECREDIT:THECULTIVATEDLENSOkay, you convinced me. What do I do now?!
The good news is that there are TONS of apps and programs that you can set up to start automating workflows in your business. And if you don’t want to DIY, there are plenty of skilled and talented online business managers, and systems experts (like yours truly!) who are ready to support you in organising your biz in a way that works for you
It’s time to say goodbye to all of the wasted time and energy you’ve been spending on admin, emails, onboarding, scheduling, bookkeeping and more.
Here are some easy ways to start automating tasks in your biz so you can take back your time and start enjoying your work again!
Use a CRM: Are you still booking clients through Instagram DMs? It’s time to upgrade to a CRM like Dubsado or 17 Hats to help you keep track of all your leads! Instead of spending hours sifting through your inbox to track leads, direct your potential clients to fill out a lead capture form on your website. Once they submit an inquiry, all their info will be kept in one, easy-to-track place in your CRM!
Set up a scheduler: If you’re still manually booking appointments, you’re probably spending too much time in your emails and DMs trying to match your client’s availability. Using a scheduler like Calendly or Dubsado will make it easy for your clients to book a time on your calendar that works for them without all the back and forth. No more lengthy email threads or unanswered DMs!
Automate your onboarding docs: Instead of preparing individual proposals, contracts, and invoices every time you onboard a new client, use a platform like Dubsado that allows you to create onboarding docs using templates and workflows that will automatically populate and send your invoice and contract after a client accepts your proposal. This will save you so much time and elevate your client experience. Win-win!
Track your projects: As a business owner, you’re not only responsible for completing your client work you also have a business to run! This means you’re likely creating content, completing admin tasks, and so much more Using a platform like Notion, Asana, or Trello can be super helpful to manage multiple projects, visualise timelines, and assign tasks to staff on your team If you’re a visual person, you’ll love being able to see what stage each project is in the process.
Automate your emails: You don’t have to keep typing out the same emails over and over again! Using an email software like Flodesk, you can create welcome sequences, send automated canned emails, and use other cool features to nurture your leads and clients to book projects while you sleep!
Don’t want to DIY? Here’s how I can help
Systems and automations can be intimidating and even scary, but you don’t have to do it alone! You might have a mile-long to-do list of tasks you want to automate in your business But what you estimate would take you months to complete would only take a systems expert like me a few hours! That’s because I'm an expert at what I do, just like you’re an expert at what you do. Systems and automations are the support system you need to care for you and your business so you can keep going without burning out And I’m here to help you find systems and processes that work for you so you can spend less time doing the boring stuff and more time doing what you love.
Here are some ways that I can support you in organising your biz:
+Systems Audit: I’ll take a look at what you’re currently doing and help you assess what’s working and what isn’t Together, we’ll come up with a game plan to streamline your processes, work more efficiently, and implement that four-hour work day you’ve been dreaming of
+VIP Intensive: While you’re busy running your business, I’ll set up all new workflows for you in just ONE day. If you’re not into systems, don’t consider yourself tech savvy, or simply prefer to hand things off to a qualified expert, I got you!
+Monthly Retainer: Every month, I’ll check up on your systems and processes to make sure everything is still running smoothly. Whenever you
need admin support, you can rest assured that you’ll have someone by your side who knows how you run things in your biz.
For more info about how we can work together, check out The Becoming Iconic Agency or get in touch on Instagram! My DMs are always open to answer your questions, and I would love to hear more about how I can help you get your time back.
"It’s time to ditch that toxic hustle culture! If you’re ready for short work days, long vacations, and guilt-free time off, then it’s time to get those systems and automations in place so you can fall in love with your biz again and start living the life you deserve "
"Women are the real architects of society."
-Harriet Beacher Stowe
esSence
WOMEN'SEDITION
JENUINE
Connection
I was craving conversation around how I could better honor my relationship by releasing the pressure and nagging resentments from being the sole income earner within my home.
I deeply desired to spend more time in my feminine to receive in ways that softened me because I am really good at functioning in my masculine energy. I know I have been entrusted to shift the paradigm for mothers, wives and women because I can’t find anyone who is doing what I am doing that can help guide me.
My husband and I made the decision ten years ago that he would leave his career so that I could continue building my business when we had children. My business was more profitable and I deeply craved his presence to parent our children together It made sense We were ignorance on fire and so excited for our family.
The spoiler alert is that we were met with a lot of discomfort and judgments from others Whispers of disapproval were placed upon me from those who had never had this opportunity or had even considered it for themselves I say all the time that there has never been a more incredible time to be a woman We are shifting paradigms, disrupting old ways and standing into our capacity in a way that rattles and triggers the generations past.
Women have never had so much access to money, power and abundance. It has so much liberation and also so many tentacles. I was influenced by those who were uncomfortable with our lifestyle and I often projected these opinions upon our relationship. They weren’t my thoughts but I was allowing them to pollute the purity of our joint decision
By Jen SzpigielI’m openly admitting that I didn’t do a great job edifying, celebrating and advocating for my husband and our home I have since learned how to do better. It came from a chapter in Untamed by Glennon Doyle where she told her parents that she was leaving her husband and had fallen deeply in love with a woman.
Naturally, as parents do, they were worried and told her of all their fears. Glennon expressed how that rippled into her relationship and was tainting the joy and ecstasy of their new relationship. She and Abby decided to act as though they were on an island and that you could only join them on this island if you had done the work to accept and celebrate their love and relationship Glennon had to pull up the draw bridge from her family several times until she was met with complete surrender, trust and acceptance for their union and family This taught me
My husband and I have done a lot of work on ourselves as well as a couple to realize our truth. To actualize the joy and fulfillment we get to have and create within our home that doesn’t need the approval or acceptance from anyone else We realized we aren’t suppose to make sense to others because we don’t live a conventional life in any way shape or form Nor do we want to
I saw how so many of my resentments and projections were side affects of conversations and opinions that were shared with me. I know they came from love and protection but they were from a different life experience. They didn’t belong to me.
"I am now in a place where I want to hold, lead and spark conversation on the new paradigm for families. The reverence of a woman making more income than her husband or partner and generously providing."
Jen Szpigiel
I am now in a place where I want to hold, lead and spark conversation on the new paradigm for families. The reverence of a woman making more income than her husband or partner and generously providing. A place where women get to build global enterprises while raising children and being exceptional mothers Where husbands release the cultural pressure of having to “bring home the bacon” as their greatest asset to a home. The shift into fathers being an equally involved parent The permission to create your family’s unique experience for ultimate fulfillment.
I know I’m ready to lead this because I have walked it, I’m doing it and it is my source of daily bliss I am still learning but I have certainly come a long way.
We now have a home of acknowledging and celebrating how we all compliment and co create our mission of love, fulfillment and memory making moments. I will happily stand as an example for families of what is possible when we boldly design a life that doesn’t always make sense to others but makes complete sense to us and those we love.
Stay tuned for more!
"I will happily stand as an example for families of what is possible when we boldly design a life that doesn’t always make sense to others but makes complete sense to us and those we love."
ICONICP
ecomingB odcast
WHY YOUR COMMUNITY IS BORED
Todayontheshow,Jentellsyouwhyyour communityisnotengagingwithorbuyingwhat you’reselling.Somanyofusaretaking inspirationasadeclarationofwhoandwhat we’resupposedtobe,insteadoffollowingand trustingourowncreativityandindividuality. Whenwedothis,we’remuddyingthewatersof theonlinespaceandourmessagedoesn’tstand achance.
BUILDING YOUR FINANCIAL LITERACY WITH JUSTIN BUONOMO
JustinBuonomoistheCEOofJourneyto FinancialFreedom,acompanythatsupports entrepreneursinbecomingfinanciallyfree, stable,andowningtheirfinancialliberation.In today’sepisode,JustinandJentalkabout financialliteracy,askillthat95%percentof Americansdon’tpossess.Theydiveintoanarray ofmoney-basedtopics,includingthetrue meaningofwealth,moneymanagement,thetwo typesofdebt,andthethreetypesofcurrencies.
LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES NOW
WelcometoBecomingIconic,ledbytheincredibleJenSzpigiel.Thisisaspaceforwomen creatinglegacyoutofintegrity Thisisforthevisionaries,theelevatedleaders,thewomenwho wanttobreakthemoldandshiftthenarrativeintheirbusinesses,relationshipsandhomes
5 INTENTIONAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY
Somanyofushavethisnegativefeelingaround Valentine’sDaybecausewefeelpressuredbyit. Wefeelpressuredtoexpressourloveintheright way,attherightplace,andattherighttime,and wefearlettingourselvesandourpartnerdown.In anefforttocalmtheseanxieties,Jenshares5 intentionalwaystocelebratethisValentine’sDay withyourlover,friends,andfamily.
THE RISE OF THE FEMPRENEUR
Intoday’smasterclass,Jenisteachingthethird ofherfivecorepillarsforsupportingyouin businessandlife.Jen’sprocessingwithyouin real-time,creatingadialoguearoundfamily, relationships,andhowwomenareevolvingin theirroles.Doyouwantafamilyandacareer? It’stimewhereyoucanhaveitall—we’re steppingintoourfullcapacity,ourabilitytohold more,andwe’reblazingatrailforallfuture femaleleaders.
10 WOMEN most influential OFTHE
On March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day. It is a day filled with intention and a focus on raising awareness to create a world of equity, diversity and inclusion. We can thank the women of Russia who took a stand and were granted the right to vote on March 8, 1917 to launch this day for all women around the world
There are countless women who have impacted our world, our lives and my own personal journey along the way These eleven women I chose to highlight are the most predominant for me but not the entire list from my lifetime. I wanted to share them with you so that we acknowledged their contribution to the world and also to prompt you to recognize the women within your life who extended your wings to fly
Jen Szpigiel"“The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other, and this is something we can practice every day, no matter where we are and what we do –women sticking up for other women, choosing to protect and celebrate each other instead of competing or criticising one another.”
-Amal Clooney
MY MOM
If you have ever met my mom, you would understand why she is not only the most influential woman in my life but also an incredible example of humility. My mom was born in Halifax, Canada many years after her older four siblings. She was raised by her two parents who were Salvation Army Officers She watched her parents grieve the loss of two of her brothers while also navigating this herself. Her life has been one of so many blessings but also hard times that thankfully softened her to the world versus hardened her heart.
My mom was a teacher for her entire career, making a massive difference for all who were blessed enough to be in her classroom She was known as everyone’s favorite teacher and this is no surprise because of the care and dedication she had for the children she taught and her role as an educator. I believe my mom was one of the great teachers of our world seeing children as individuals and meeting them where they were to spark their love of learning.
God, love, humility, generosity and forgiveness are not only her strengths but her core values that show up and through all she does. She literally makes you a better person just being around her.
My mom is the first to volunteer when someone needs something and is also the most involved and compassionate mother and grandmother I have never doubted how much my mom loves me and she has always poured massive belief into me. She told me I could do anything and I believed it. I attribute much of my success to that. She is now gifting this to my four children as well. They all think Granny is the greatest of all humans and they are right. She is a literal earth angel.
DR MAYA ANGELOU
There is something about Maya Angelou’s presence that has always intrigued me. I would listen to her interviews and read her poems and dream of having a conversation with her There is just so much depth to everything she says I feel like she holds wisdom that is unearthly. Maya spent six years mute after traumatic childhood events which led her to passionately read, write and express herself through words unspoken. I often wonder how much more we would understand if we spoke less and witnessed more. What would we learn about ourselves if we were quiet with our thoughts and paid more attention to the world around us? I wish for Maya that her mutism wasn’t from these horrific events she had to endure but I do thank her for gifting the world with her wisdom as a result
Maya was the first African American woman to be a streetcar conductor after pursuing the company and being undefeated by their racism and sexism She was also the first to have a screen play turned into a film and has also won copious awards and medals for her contribution through her artistic expression within music, film and writing
What has always been so awe-inspiring to me was her poise when confronted with difficult questions and the way she would use words to say bold things wrapped in a way that could be heard. There was a gentleness that met audacity and I am so grateful for her example. Maya is a woman who lived a legacy.
If you have spent any time with me you know my intention is to always be “Oprah ready” within my day. I live as though Oprah will call or show up at my door any minute. Like asking Santa for dancing lessons from Micheal Jackson during my childhood, I continually ask Universe for a moment shared within my lifetime with Oprah.
Oprah is an icon of our generation. Most of us learned about relationships, personal growth and conversation by tuning into Oprah every day after school. I have some of my most pivotal heart opening moments from watching the Oprah show Hearing from people who were overcoming and how they were leading their lives ignited my soul. I loved how Oprah asked questions to create conversation and stood in her power with boundaries as she opened it up to the audience. I often pray that I can somehow emulate this within my podcast, magazine and online presence.
I use to be so agitated by the constant press talking about her weight or hair style as though that is what mattered. It showed me early on how the world believes a woman’s appearance or looks is theirs to comment on and somehow we are here to make “you” comfortable. I was a privileged white girl in a small town who could only imagine what it would be like for an African American woman showing up in her power to the world She stood on TV and courageously let us learn through her example in real time. She would talk about hard things and gracefully share perspective that would educate us to our ignorance or lack of understanding.
We watched Oprah continually overcome the naysayers and ignorance of others to step into one of the most influential, powerful and wealthiest woman in history. She is our real time evidence of what is possible when a woman believes in herself and advocates to make it happen. Thank you Oprah.
OPRAH WINFREY
MOTHER THERESA
I didn’t know much about Mother Theresa other than she was a saint and everyone said how good she was. I decided many years ago that I wanted to learn about her and why she was so celebrated I felt really vulnerable learning about how Mother Theresa would totally immerse herself with those who were destitute and sick. It challenged me to the core because to be transparent, I don’t know if I would That’s not easy to say out loud and I strive to always be better. I am grateful for this though because I saw my privilege and my fears clearly. I am not necessarily proud of that but without seeing them, I can’t overcome them
As I picked up Mother Theresa’s book, she changed my life instantly. Within the first few chapters she explained how most people have learned to pray in a way that doesn’t give them a full experience of God. Rather than listing all the things you would like God to change and only sending requests, pleas or just talking to, a prayer of impact is listening more than you are talking. This was revolutionary to me. I had only ever prayed with a list of blessings I wanted to give others and then all my worries and troubles expressed hoping God would take it them away To sit and listen and not direct the conversation was foreign territory. I now have my most divine moments in silence because of this lesson. I hear and receive in a way that I can count on when I feel stuck, unsettled or simply grateful
Mother Theresa deepened my connection to spirit and thanks doesn’t even feel like enough for that gift
MRS. SUMMERS
As a young girl, I had more teachers dislike me and try to change me than I did ones who celebrated who I was. I wasn’t an easy child. I didn’t sit quietly with my hands folded on my desk. I had a mind of my own I had opinions and ideas I liked to live fully and I had a presence that didn’t blend in or go unnoticed. Most teachers or adults wanted to change that about me to make their lives easier. I felt their desire to tame me and shrink me for their comfort. I knew they didn’t like me the way they did my peers who were quiet and obedient. I even remember a teacher saying in front of the class that I gave him a rash
Then there was Mrs.Summers. She wasn’t my classroom teacher but I would go to her for music, drama and French. She liked me and she made me feel accepted and loved just the way I was. She was the first example I remember of someone in school who celebrated me for being me. She would compliment me for the way I expressed myself and championed my independent thinking I wasn’t “too much” for her. She allowed me to be all of myself.
Our childhood authorities have so much influence upon the way we see ourselves. They can make us feel shame, embarrassment and like something is “wrong” with us or they can empower and celebrate who we are as individuals There is so much responsibility in that
I distinctly recall saying that I would make girls and women feel seen and loved no matter what just the way Mrs. Summers did for me. I am a ripple effect of her legacy.
ELLEN DEGENERES
I was on ten weeks of bedrest with my first child when Ellen launched her award winning Ellen Degeneres Show. I couldn’t wait for it to come on daily. Her witty humor that gets me every time, her love to dance and the great guest interviews were a highlight of my day
I was a fan of Ellen when she became the first lead role on a sitcom to acknowledge her homosexuality. I was so thrilled to finally see diversity being shared on TV as well as a woman stand in who she was unapologetically. I could only imagine the bravery she must have had to conjure up to lead this for the LGBTG+ community within the public’s eye I am sure Ellen was deeply hurt by the many who wanted to project their ignorance and cancel her. I would watch her and listen in awe as she stayed in love and forgiveness during this time.
It was the first time I sat with my own judgements around sexuality. Being brought up in the church, I was taught to never judge others but I still heard how certain things were declared as a “sin” I would practice discernment Did I believe this? The answer was a quick no for me. Ellen’s provided another opportunity to become a more open, loving and an inclusive human. It made me pay more attention to my values and look more critically at the things that were taught to me but were not my truth.
I believe Ellen was the catalyst in starting the process of normalizing and representing the LGBTQ+ community within media Her example through humor and love was an incredible way to influence some who may have prejudice. She made our world become more representative of all people. Is there any other way?
How to stand up and use your voice How to share your journey and life without holding back How to advocate and say unpopular things through love. How to own who we are as a woman and not be held back by our children, parents, partnerships and society. These are blessings Glennon has offered to us.
I was told to read Love Warrior shortly after separating I was tender and being judged by many through a private moment made very public because of my business success. I grieved and cried for a whole day when I finished the last page of that book. I read it cover to cover in a day and felt seen, expressed and I better understood myself because of Glennon's words. It was therapy. Then came Untamed A book for the modern woman who is willing to do something with her precious life and actually own her capacity. An unleashing of patriarchy and expired narratives. A beacon of light cast on a vision for having an “all life” as a woman today.
I became so liberated and expanded through Glennon’s books. I was untethered by so much that didn’t belong to me and felt like someone finally could say the words I have been craving to say I have a more courageous voice for women because of Glennon. I knew since I was a child that God wanted me to build the confidence of a woman and help her find her wings. Glennon mentored me in many ways to activate this even more within all I do.
I talk more about this in Jenuine Connection within this issue.
GLENNON DOYLE
DIAN FOSSEY
A woman walking into a world of danger and risking her life to advocate and protect a vulnerable person or animal that can not do it for themselves is badass to me. I studied Dian Fossey and became slightly obsessed for a period of time as a preteen after watching the movie Gorillas in the Mist I was moved and heart broken. She was brave and audacious and was willing to risk it all to make a positive change for our planet and for animals that could not do this for themselves She was radical and even dangerous in her conviction and passion to save the gorillas. I found it provoked within me a willingness to stand for what I believe in and to care for the planet we live in
I had never been exposed to the darkness of humans like this before. I was dumbfounded that people would murder an animal for money. It was barbaric to me but I was glad to no longer be naive to the shadows of our world. It stretched me as a young woman to realize that the polarity of life is everywhere. Good and evil Dark and light
I have a huge adoration for women advocates. Often because I wonder if I possess that bold courage within me to risk it all for something that is so selfless and that I believe in. The gorillas will never be able to thank her for all she did to protect them and yet, she didn’t need that or look for that outward validation to stay the course It was her God given purpose and she died pursuing it.
I also want to thank Dian for showing me the magic that can happen between nature and humans. I will never forget the example she offered of how the energy of love permeates through everything you give it to.
PRINCESS DIANA
Most of us remember where we were during Princess Diana’s funeral It touched the world in a big way. Prior to her death, I knew her from the coffee table books my Grandma had. She loved Princess Diana’s style and grace. After this startling moment learning of her death, I was curious around how she had made such a profound impact on everyone globally.
I am intellectually turned on by a powerful, audacious and rebellious woman who does it all oozing with love. Princess Diana was that. She was a woman who would not be caged and from standing in her truth and rebelling against expired thinking, she was ostracized and shut out by those who were triggered by her voice. It was the personal power she held against a loud and popular patriarchy that speaks volumes for what a woman can hold when she is aligned with her spirit The obvious conviction to make a significant impact upon our world was the undeniable truth that couldn’t be skewed about Princess Diana. She used her voice for good and wouldn’t be silenced.
She showed us that the power that can easily go astray, can also be used and led into love and compassion She fought against paradigms and pioneered a new way for women despite the circumstances they find themselves in.
She was elegance, grace and love personified. One of the greatest and lost too soon.
MARY MAGDALENE
One of my all time favorite books taught me the true story of Mary Magdalene and the worldly fear of a woman who is in her power. Mary was a woman that men and religion wanted to silence because of her knowledge and ability to speak truth to the world that would challenge the norm. She was what we would call the first female influencer.
Mary was the closest person to Jesus She has been misrepresented and also cancelled because of her proximity to Jesus as a woman and her strength that threatened the men and the church.
She was never a prostitute as portrayed to make us feel like she was somehow broken. She wrote about this in the most sacred book of the Bible that was hidden, partially destroyed and sadly missed by our world The reflection of God from a woman’s perspective would have more of us leaning in than leaning out. It is contradictory to many of our religious examples and would challenge and likely demolish the rules, teachings and patriarchy of many religious organizations.
Mary was the first female leader of what I define as church which is a gathering of people who seek to know and follow God’s love. She was a woman with power during a time when the church didn’t want to see or hear from a woman Let’s be honest that still holds true in some religions today
Mary gave a motherly and womanly perspective of God that I believe we all crave more of She was the first woman of influence and I am grateful for those who have discovered her hidden truths and divine experience.
AN EMPOWERING LIST FOR WOMEN
This Becoming Iconic playlist was curated from a large group of fempreneurs. I asked them to share what their go-to song was for high energy throughout their day. These songs are also what they put on when they are planning, overcoming and celebrating.
This whole playlist is a mood for any fempreneur brought to you by a global community of women. It will provoke your inner Beyonce!
