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?
Your business didn’t fail.
It outgrew the way it was built.
FoundHer Rising is for women founders in wellness, coaching, and consulting who’ve built successful service-based businesses, and are now feeling the weight of growth that depends too much on them.
You’ve done the right things.
You’ve built demand, filled your calendar, and proven your expertise.
But instead of ease, growth brought more pressure, complexity, and responsibility.
This isn’t a podcast for beginners, hustle culture, or quick fixes.
It’s a space for honest conversations about what scaling actually requires: leadership shifts, identity changes, and building a business that can grow without burning you out.
Hosted by Christine Hakkola, this show helps experienced, heart-centered founders think differently about their businesses so decisions get clearer and growth becomes more intentional.
If this stage feels familiar, you’re in the right place.
Learn more at hakkolahorizons.com.