In this episode of the "FoundHer Rising" podcast, host Christine Hakkola speaks with Dr. Michelle Fardella, co-director of WonderTree, a multidisciplinary practice supporting children and families. They dive into the realities of growing a service-based business while staying true to your core values of compassionate care.
Dr. Fardella shares her candid insights on navigating the "messy middle" of entrepreneurship, the crucial role of co-founder relationships, and the art of hiring for values alignment. Whether you're scaling a business, managing a team, or seeking balance in your own life, this conversation offers practical advice on leadership, authenticity, and embracing the non-linear path of business growth.
Key Takeaways:
The relationship between co-founders is crucial for success.
Hiring should be based on a 'hell yes' feeling to ensure alignment.
Balancing clinical work with business responsibilities is challenging but necessary.
Authenticity in marketing helps build relationships with clients.
Growth is not linear; expect ups and downs along the way.
Time management is essential for business owners, especially with family commitments.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of FoundHer Rising!
– Christine and the FoundHer Rising Podcast team :)
Connect with me:
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/christine-hakkola
Website - https://www.hakkolahorizons.com/
#womenfounders #businesscoachforwomen #scalewithintegrity #wellnessentrepreneurs #freedomimpactincome #servicebasedbusiness #femaleentrepreneurs #holisticbusinessgrowth #hakkolahorizons #foundherrising FoundHer Rising is the podcast for women founders in wellness, coaching, and consulting who are ready to grow beyond 1:1 work and build businesses that create freedom, impact, and income — without burning out or compromising their values. Hosted by business coach Christine Hakkola, each episode explores candid conversations with women who are scaling soul-aligned, service-based businesses using strategy, integrity, and vision. Guided by the Horizons Method, these stories reveal the shifts, systems, and mindset required to lead and grow like a CEO. female founders, scaling service-based businesses, business coaching for women, wellness entrepreneurs, coaching business growth, Horizons Method, freedom-based business, soulful scaling, group programs, sustainable growth, women in leadership, holistic business strategy, integrity-driven entrepreneurship, vision-led business
What is FoundHer Rising with Christine Hakkola?
Welcome to the FoundHer Rising podcast presented by Christine Hakkola!
FoundHer Rising is the podcast for women founders in wellness, coaching, and consulting who are ready to grow beyond 1:1 work and build businesses that create freedom, impact, and income — without sacrificing integrity or burning out.
Hosted by business coach Christine Hakkola, former psychotherapist and yoga teacher, each episode features candid conversations with women who have built sustainable, soul-aligned businesses on their own terms. Together, they discuss:
💡 The clarity that sparked change
🚀 The strategies that fueled growth
💭 The mindset and identity shifts required to lead as CEOs
🌿 The systems that make success sustainable
📊 The numbers that matter for aligned scaling
Guided by Christine’s signature Horizons Method, these episodes blend inspiration with practical strategy across six essential dimensions of growth:
Holistic Assessment • Roadmap for Growth • Identity & Influence • Zone in on People • Operational Excellence • Numbers that Matter
FoundHer Rising isn’t just a podcast; it’s a space for ambitious, heart-centered women building businesses on their own terms. If you’re ready to rise, this is your place.