Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha: Entrepreneurship and Self-Improvement Podcast

Hala Taha used LinkedIn and social media to build visibility long before she knew how to turn an audience into a business. While working a corporate job, she grew Young and Profiting through audience swaps, engagement pods, persistent guest outreach, and a volunteer team, believing the podcast would remain a passion project. But when guests began asking for her help to scale their brands, she realized the same strategies behind her success could power a business of her own. In this special crossover episode, Hala sits down with Courtney Johnson on Built in Public to share how entrepreneurs can build a personal brand, grow an audience, and turn their visibility into a revenue-generating business asset. In this episode, Courtney and Hala will discuss: (03:12) Building a Personal Brand From Scratch (10:24) Trading Audiences to Grow Your Platform (12:16) Growing on LinkedIn Without Following Norms (15:42) Hiring the Right Team to Scale (22:51) Landing Big Guests and High-Paying Clients (34:18) How Personal Branding Unlocks Dream Opportunities (43:42) Future-Proofing Your Career Through Personal Branding Hala Taha is the host of Young and Profiting, a top 10 business and entrepreneurship podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. She is the founder and CEO of YAP Media, an award-winning social media and podcast agency. She also leads YAP Media Network, where she helps renowned podcasters like Jenna Kutcher, Neil Patel, and Russell Brunson grow and monetize their shows. With her business on track to reach eight figures in 2026, Hala stands out as a leading creator and entrepreneur. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. HeyGen - Create AI avatar videos without constantly being behind the camera. Get your first three videos free at HeyGen.com/profiting. Life at the Speed of Play - Learn how to test ideas quickly and identify the ones worth pursuing with Mark Pincus’s book. Get two books for the price of one at getmarksbook.com/yap. Whatnot - Grow your business through live shopping, community, and real-time connections with buyers. Search Whatnot, W H A T N O T, in the App Store and start selling today. MOD - Connect with licensed medical providers for modafinil to support sustained energy, focus, and alertness. Visit MOD.com for a free consultation and get 10% off your first order plus free shipping with code PROFITING. See the website for important safety information. AG1 Next Gen - Support your nutritional foundation with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and superfoods. Get a free Immune Support Bundle with your first subscription order at DrinkAG1.com/PROFITING. Resources Mentioned: Hala’s Podcast, Young and Profiting: bit.ly/_YAP-apple Hala’s Agency, YAP Media: yapmedia.com Built in Public Podcast by Courtney Johnson: https://bit.ly/BIP-apple Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, SEO, E-commerce, Instagram, Digital Marketing, Content Creator, Storytelling, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Communication, Video Marketing, Social Proof, Marketing Trends, Influencers, Influencer Marketing, Marketing Tips, Digital Trends, Content Marketing, Online Marketing, Marketing Podcast

Starting in door-to-door sales as the only woman on her team, Shelby Haas-Sapp faced constant rejection while learning how to earn buyers’ trust. As she moved into high-ticket sales, she realized modern buyers were turned off by scripted pitches and pressure, so she learned to ask better questions, handle objections early, and let buyers sell themselves. She later built She Sells Academy around those lessons. In this episode, Shelby shares how to close high-ticket sales, adapt to different buyers, and use content and webinars to sell online. In this episode, Hala and Shelby will discuss: Here are the updated timestamps using your requested format: (00:00) Introduction (01:58) What Makes Someone Great at Sales (04:21) Building a “Sales Psychopath” Mindset (07:50) Why Women Excel at Closing Deals (11:33) The Hot Girl Sales Mentality (17:44) Selling to Different Buyer Types (27:50) Lessons From Door-to-Door Selling (34:57) How to Handle Common Sales Objections (47:06) Understanding Today’s Buyers (48:33) How to Close High-Ticket Sales (57:00) Building an Authentic Social Media Brand (01:04:33) Scaling High-Ticket Offers With Webinars (01:09:55) How Environment Shapes Success and Energy Shelby Haas-Sapp is an entrepreneur and the founder of She Sells Academy, a sales training company that helps women build careers in remote high-ticket sales. She began her career in door-to-door sales at 18, where she learned how to pitch, handle rejection, and build resilience. Shelby is also a content creator known for teaching sales strategies to a growing audience of entrepreneurs and business owners on social media. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off. AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com. HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started. Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap. AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING. Resources Mentioned: Shelby’s Website: shelbysapp.com Shelby’s Instagram: instagram.com/shelby.sapp Shelby’s TikTok: tiktok.com/discover/shelby-sapp Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Online Selling, Economics, E-commerce, Ecommerce, Negotiation, Prospecting, Persuasion, Inbound, Value Selling, Account Management, Business Growth, Scale, Sales Podcast

Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented workplace efficiency, but AI futurist Sinéad Bovell warns that convenience may come at a cost. As professionals outsource more of their reading, research, writing, and decisions to AI, they risk weakening the judgment and critical thinking they need to lead. She believes AI should be a sparring partner, not a replacement for our own thinking. In this episode, Sinéad shares how entrepreneurs can use AI without becoming dependent on it and prepare for how it will reshape work, business, and decision-making. In this episode, Hala and Sinéad will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (00:00) The Hidden Risks of AI Reliance (03:49) Creating Friction and Using AI Wisely (13:36) Will AI Make Reading Obsolete? (18:51) Rethinking Education in the AI Era (22:53) AI’s Impact on the Future of Work and Careers (34:28) AI Predictions for Life and Society (47:00) Can You Trust AI for Information? (53:57) AI Risks, Environmental Impact, and Regulation (1:01:03) AI Opportunities for Business and Society (1:06:19) Betting on the Future of AI Sinéad Bovell is a futurist and strategic foresight advisor who helps leaders understand how emerging technologies are reshaping economies, business models, work, and society. She is the founder of WAYE, Weekly Advice for Young Entrepreneurs, an organization that educates youth and minority markets on advanced technologies. Sinéad is a 14-time United Nations speaker and has served as an advisor to the United Nations AI Advisory Body. She also hosts I've Got Questions with Sinéad Bovell, where she explores artificial intelligence and emerging technologies with leading experts. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off. AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com. HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started. Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap. AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING. Resources Mentioned: Sinéad's Website: sineadbovell.com Sinéad's Instagram: instagram.com/sineadbovell Sinéad's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sinead-bovell-89072a34 Sinéad's Podcast, I've Got Questions with Sinéad Bovell: bit.ly/IGQWSN-apple Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, ChatGPT, AI Marketing, Prompt, AI in Action, AI in Business, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs, AI Podcast

After facing unimaginable loss, Ashley Lemieux was forced to discover how to keep going and embark on a journey of self healing when her world fell apart. She was raising two children toward adoption when a contested court battle took them from her overnight, and years later a dangerous pregnancy complication took her newborn son. Ashely did what many entrepreneurs do: she buried the pain in constant work. Then when running from grief no longer worked, she learned to build her life with intention. In this episode, Ashley shares how to work through grief, reframe negative thoughts, and use her Clarity Mapping framework to make peace the filter for every decision in life and business. In this episode, Hala and Ashley will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (00:46) Losing the Children She Raised (05:24) Using Clarity Mapping for Self-Healing (07:29) Surviving Sepsis and Pregnancy Loss (12:24) Healing Grief Through Sharing and Community (16:06) Shutting Down a Successful Business and Starting Over (26:02) “I Am Here”: A Mindfulness Mantra (28:41) How Entrepreneurs Cope With Grief Differently (37:50) Reframing Negative Thoughts and Emotions (47:38) The Difference Between Grief and Trauma (50:42) Turning Fear and Failure Into a Growth Mindset (55:29) The Five Daily Questions of Clarity Mapping (59:55) Why Mental Health and Inner Peace Matter Ashley Lemieux is a grief expert, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Shine Project. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Grief and Bereavement, and is the creator of Clarity Mapping, a framework designed to help people regain clarity and move forward with intention. She also hosts the Healing Her podcast, which focuses on grief, self-discovery, and emotional healing. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off. AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com. HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started. Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap. AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING. Resources Mentioned: Ashley’s Book, Born to Shine: amzn.to/437SVEY Ashley’s Book, I Am Here: amzn.to/417DzNR Ashley’s Instagram: instagram.com/ashleyklemieux Ashley’s Website: ashleylemieux.com Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Biohacking, Motivation, Manifestation, Productivity, Brain Health, Life Balance, Positivity, Happiness, Sleep, Diet

When Jacqueline Samira started her business, she recognized a massive market inefficiency: U.S. tech companies were struggling to source and retain experienced talent, while skilled professionals across Latin America were being overlooked. She built Howdy to bridge that gap and help companies build dedicated international teams. In this episode, Jacqueline shares how she built Howdy into a $50 million recurring-revenue business, survived a near-collapse during COVID, and scaled the company through strong retention, smart funding, and a simple staffing model. In this episode, Hala and Jacqueline will discuss: (01:36) Howdy’s Core Financial Model (05:20) Revenue, Payroll, and Cash Flow (10:25) Starting Howdy and Surviving COVID (21:15) Raising Capital After $3 Million ARR (31:10) Ideal Customers and High-Touch Marketing (40:08) Retention, Referrals, and Customer Expansion (43:24) Why Psychologists Recruit Howdy Talent (50:57) Expanding Howdy Across Latin America (54:33) How AI Is Reshaping Hiring (57:34) How to Copy This Business Model Jacqueline Samira is the founder and CEO of Howdy.com, an Austin-based company that helps U.S. tech companies hire and manage teams across Latin America. Before founding Howdy in 2018, she built her career in sales and operations, including leadership roles at Y Combinator-backed technology companies. Howdy joined Y Combinator’s Winter 2021 batch and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Jacqueline was also named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 for leading Howdy’s expansion into Mexico and Peru and establishing a branded office in Guadalajara. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off. AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com. HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started. Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap. AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING. Resources Mentioned Jacqueline’s Company, Howdy: howdy.com/experts/jacqueline-samira Jacqueline’s Website: jacquelinesamira.com Jacqueline’s Instagram: instagram.com/jac_samira Jacqueline’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesamira Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking