In this episode of Uncopyable Women in Business, I sit down with Maggie Maloney, Global Lead for Strategic Account Development and Enablement at Televerde, to explore her unique journey from working in sales while incarcerated to building a successful career in tech. Maggie shares key strategies like treating sales as a conversation, using corporate improv to keep interactions natural, and replacing rigid scripts with flexible guides. We discuss the importance of active listening, strategic selling, and how to walk away when a sale isn’t the right fit. Whether you’re new to sales or a seasoned pro, this episode offers practical tips for building authentic customer relationships and long-term trust.

About Maggie:

Maggie Maloney is a Sales Development Leader and Mentor with over a decade of experience in generating opportunities and building pipelines. With a diverse background spanning tech and startups, she believes sales is a human experience, driven by authentic conversations. Passionate about mentoring junior talent, Maggie excels in outbound strategies, combining the science of sales with the art of active listening and communication.

Reach Maggie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-maloney/
twitter.com/MargaretM86

Resources:
Book: Improv(e) Your Conversations
https://a.co/d/cB11v2C

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

In this episode, get ready to hear Dawn Grooter's answers to the same five questions I ask every guest:

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
2. What’s something you want to do that you haven't yet?
3. What's something you like about yourself?
4. What's something about yourself you'd like to change?
5. What's your favorite vacation spot?

About Dawn Grooters:

Dawn Grooters is the founder of Broken Vessel Sales Solutions, a company specializing in relationship-based inside sales for the gift and home industry. With over 20 years of experience, she evolved from being a buyer to a top-performing inside sales rep, generating millions in revenue and later mentoring others to achieve similar success.

She developed a sales approach rooted in empathy and value-driven communication, avoiding cold calls and pressure tactics. Also hosts the Inside Gift & Home Podcast, where she shares actionable strategies and insights. Her mission is to help businesses grow through genuine, empathetic connections and integrity-based sales practices.

Resources:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

When life forces a change you never saw coming, you have two choices: resist it or reshape your life around it.

That’s exactly what this week’s guest, Dawn Grooters, did—and what she helps others do, too.

In our conversation, Dawn shares how she rebuilt her career with intention, empathy, and heart. She offers practical insights on how to build rapport over the phone, serve customers without burnout, and grow a business from a place of purpose—not pressure.

We also talk about what it means to bring your whole self into your work, and how honoring your own story can become your greatest business asset.

🎧 Tune in to hear Dawn’s journey—and leave inspired to rewrite your own.

About Dawn Grooters:

Dawn Grooters is the founder of Broken Vessel Sales Solutions, a company specializing in relationship-based inside sales for the gift and home industry. With over 20 years of experience, she evolved from being a buyer to a top-performing inside sales rep, generating millions in revenue and later mentoring others to achieve similar success.

She developed a sales approach rooted in empathy and value-driven communication, avoiding cold calls and pressure tactics. Also hosts the Inside Gift & Home Podcast, where she shares actionable strategies and insights. Her mission is to help businesses grow through genuine, empathetic connections and integrity-based sales practices.

Resources:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

In this episode, get ready to hear Janell Pittman's answers to the same five questions I ask every guest:

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
2. What’s something you want to do that you haven't yet?
3. What's something you like about yourself?
4. What's something about yourself you'd like to change?
5. What's your favorite vacation spot?

About Janell Pittman:

Janell is a fractional executive with Chief Outsiders who helps mid-sized company CEOs transform scattered efforts into focused, data-driven marketing strategies that drive growth. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she’s known for aligning teams and delivering results. Formerly the Chief Marketing and Digital Strategy Officer at MercyOne ($3B healthcare system), she unified 17 brands and drove market share growth. She also led digital strategy at Meredith Corporation, overseeing brands like Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart, and has held roles at Nestlé Purina, PwC, and IBM. Janell is recognized for strategic leadership, serves on nonprofit boards, and enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and two sons.

Resources:

LinkedIn

Website

Free Growth Readiness Assessment

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing was missing the mark—or that your team is busy but not actually gaining traction—this episode is for you.

I sat down with Janell Pittman, a fractional CMO with Chief Outsiders and a powerhouse strategist who’s helped major brands like MercyOne and Martha Stewart get real results. Janell brings more than two decades of experience transforming organizations from the inside out, and in this conversation, she explains what marketing really is (and what it’s not).

We talk about why jumping to tactics—like “Should we send a postcard?”—is the last thing you should do, and how starting with insights, strategy, and clear positioning changes everything. Janell also shares what happens when branding is treated as a surface-level effort—and why the most impactful transformations happen when internal culture aligns with external messaging.

She’s smart, humble, and full of practical wisdom. Whether you’re running a business, building your brand, or trying to make sense of marketing ROI, this episode will help you step back and see the bigger picture.

🎧 Listen in to hear how Janell turned branding into bottom-line results—and how you can, too.

About Janell Pittman:

Janell is a fractional executive with Chief Outsiders who helps mid-sized company CEOs transform scattered efforts into focused, data-driven marketing strategies that drive growth. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she’s known for aligning teams and delivering results. Formerly the Chief Marketing and Digital Strategy Officer at MercyOne ($3B healthcare system), she unified 17 brands and drove market share growth. She also led digital strategy at Meredith Corporation, overseeing brands like Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart, and has held roles at Nestlé Purina, PwC, and IBM. Janell is recognized for strategic leadership, serves on nonprofit boards, and enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and two sons.

Resources:

LinkedIn

Website

Free Growth Readiness Assessment

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

What if stepping away from your business actually made it stronger?

That’s exactly what I explored with this week’s guest, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck - a retired dentist, business strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies. Ruth built a thriving dental practice while raising her two young sons. But when her daughter was born with medical complications, life—and business—had to change. Fast.

What’s remarkable is how she adapted. With honesty, humility, and a collaborative spirit, Ruth transformed her practice to run more efficiently than ever—working fewer hours, growing revenue, and creating a team culture that thrived.

In this conversation, Ruth shares the exact steps she used (and now teaches others) to streamline businesses, build strong systems, and create a company that can run—and even sell—without you working 24/7. No hype. No nonsense. Just smart, tested strategies that work.

If you’ve ever thought “I can’t step away” or “my business can’t run without me”—you need to hear this one. You’ll walk away with ideas you can implement right now.

About Dr. Ruth Mannschreck:
Dr. Ruth Mannschreck is a dentist, business strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies. Ruth built a thriving dental practice while raising two young boys, but everything changed when her daughter was born with complications and spent weeks in the Newborn ICU. That experience led her to cut back her hours, build smarter systems, and actually grow her practice—and now she helps other business owners do the same through her programs Business Lifestyle by Design and Prep It to Sell.

Resources:
www.WorkFewerHours.com

www.ShorelineStrategies.com

LinkedIn

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

This episode is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go.

Hazel Ortega grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in L.A., surrounded by poverty, violence, and personal loss. A high school dropout on welfare, she faced seemingly impossible odds. But her story didn’t stop there—it transformed.

In our conversation, Hazel shares how one pivotal question changed her life: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” That question sparked what she now calls “Miracle Vision”—a method that helped her rewrite her story from survival to success.

Hazel walks us through how she built a life far beyond what she once thought possible: from earning her master’s degree to founding multiple businesses and even helping fund a hospital in Uganda. Her secret? Not a detailed plan—but belief, action, and the courage to dream big.

If you’ve ever felt stuck by your circumstances or unsure how to take the next step, Hazel’s story will inspire you to think bigger and act bolder.

About Hazel Ortega:

Hazel Ortega, M.Ed., is a global speaker and transformation expert who went from a high school dropout and welfare recipient to a multimillionaire entrepreneur. Raised in one of Los Angeles’ most dangerous neighborhoods, Hazel’s early life was marked by poverty, gang violence, domestic abuse, and the incarceration of both parents. Her transformation story embodies resilience, growth, and the miracles she teaches others to intentionally create. Today, Hazel is an acclaimed speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of multiple businesses. She has spoken on prestigious stages, including the United Nations and the California Endowment, and her programs have touched over 45,000 lives

Resources:

https://www.themasteryofmiracles.com/

https://hightideglobal.org/

Mastery of Miracles Course

Book: From Bounced Checks to Private Jets: The Mastery of Miracles

IG: @hazelortega_official

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...

This episode is deeply personal—and one you won't forget.

I’m joined by Leighsa Montrose, whose life changed forever after the unexpected suicide of her husband, rock legend Ronnie Montrose. What followed was a journey through immense grief, public loss, and ultimately, healing.

Leighsa shares how she found purpose through service, discovered the power of trauma therapy, and began helping others navigate their own losses. We talk about what it means to truly show up for someone who’s grieving, and how vulnerability can be a path to resilience.

If you or someone you love has experienced loss, this conversation offers compassion, perspective, and hope.

About Leighsa:

Leighsa Montrose is a grief support advocate, wellness consultant, and the widow of legendary rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose. After a successful career in event design, Leighsa transitioned into the music business to manage Ronnie’s return to touring—handling everything from logistics to contracts. Following his tragic death in 2012, she stepped into a new role: preserving his legacy while navigating profound personal loss.

Leighsa founded RoMoCo, LLC to manage Ronnie’s estate and organized a high-profile tribute concert featuring artists like Sammy Hagar. She later trained as a peer grief counselor with Kara and became a certified wellness consultant, focusing on helping others heal after trauma and suicide loss. Today, Leighsa shares her story to raise awareness around mental health and offer hope to those walking their own grief journeys.

Links and Resources from Leighsa:

Facebook
Website

Other Resources

https://kara-grief.org/

https://afsp.org

https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

Linda Arcello-Earl's episodes:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245025/episodes/16901453

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245025/episodes/16918802

Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...