In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac sits down with the brilliant Julia Lynch — career strategist, personal brand architect, and creator behind Smarter in a Sec. Julia’s path is anything but traditional, and that’s exactly why it works. She built her business through service, storytelling, and a fiercely human approach to visibility.

Together, they unpack how Julia went from a teenage intern at HarperCollins → to consulting across Asia → to becoming one of the most trusted career and personal brand strategists for Gen Z, executives, and founders.

Julia shares the truth about building a portfolio career, why she refuses to “pitch slap” anyone, how she thinks about authentic networking, and why her most expensive clients aren’t who you think they are.

This conversation is generous, candid, and packed with practical insight — especially if you’re building a business, crafting a personal brand, or redefining your career path.

Topics Discussed:

• The unexpected start of Julia’s storytelling career (including an editor who accidentally roasted her in the newspaper)
• What a “portfolio career” actually looks like in practice
• Why vulnerability sells (and where to draw the line)
• The difference between authentic networking and pitch-slapping
• How Julia structures her revenue streams — from coaching to retainers to content partnerships
• The importance of “power referrers” and why 60% of Julia’s business still comes from offline connections
• What service-based entrepreneurs get wrong about social media
  
  
  

Connect with Julia Lynch:

• Instagram: @smarterinasec
• Substack: smarterinasec.substack.com
• Website: smarterinasec.com
• Email: smarterinasec@gmail.com

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In this episode, Jac sits down with Jessica Abo — journalist, keynote speaker, author, and executive presence coach helping leaders and entrepreneurs show up as their most confident, authentic selves.

Jessica shares her journey from dreaming of being the next Phil Donahue to anchoring for New York One, launching her own production company, and building a thriving business teaching others how to communicate powerfully — on camera and off.

Together, they explore the art of executive presence, how your environment and mindset shape confidence, and the life-changing power of slowing down. Jessica also opens up about her wake-up call with burnout, recovering from people-pleasing, and how curiosity (not perfection) builds connection in leadership, business, and parenting.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• What “executive presence” really means in 2025
• Why the way you show up on Zoom reveals how you see yourself
• How to build authentic rapport and connection — fast
• Leadership lessons from broadcasting and motherhood
• The hidden cost of people-pleasing and how to reclaim your voice
• Jessica’s upcoming From the ER to PR program for health professionals
  
  
  

Connect with Jessica Abo:

• Website: jessicaabo.com
• Corporate Coaching: jet-t-productions.com
• Email: hello@jessicaabo.com

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In this episode, Jac sits down with Devin Lee, a systems strategist who helps entrepreneurs design the thoughtful processes and tech stacks that keep their businesses running smoothly—so they can focus on high-impact work instead of getting lost in the weeds.

Devin shares her journey from professional home organizer to systems strategist and how building structure into her own business helped her create the freedom to live and work anywhere in the world. Together, Jac and Devin talk about what it really means to “get out of the weeds,” why creativity actually thrives with structure, and the tell-tale signs it’s time to upgrade your systems.

They also dive into process mapping, the power of automation, and how tools like ChatGPT can make creating SOPs faster and easier than ever. Plus, Devin shares her signature mini-course, Inbox Zero Hero, for anyone ready to finally get their email under control and reclaim their mental space.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Why solopreneurs need systems just as much as big companies
• The difference between systems that get you started and those that help you scale
• How process mapping can reveal the hidden work (and value) in your business
  Tools and automations that save time and create consistency
• The first systems to set up if you’re just getting started
  
  
  
  

Connect with Devin Lee:

• Website: devinlee.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinleesystemsstrategist/
• Check out Inbox Zero Hero
  
  
  

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In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Jac welcomes Jess Milanes, podcasting strategist, thought leadership expert, and the woman behind the magic at Girls Make Bank. Jess is the founder of Smart Podcast Solutions and the creator of KNWN, a new ecosystem for women thought leaders who are ready to amplify their message and legacy.

Together, Jac and Jess explore the emotional and strategic power of podcasting, what it means to build your platform as a woman in business, and how sharing your story (without oversharing) can create connection and impact.

Jess also shares her own journey from infertility struggles and launching a podcast in 2019, to building a thriving production agency and now launching a white-glove thought leadership platform for women.

Whether you're podcasting already or still building the courage to put yourself out there, this conversation is packed with real talk, actionable wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Jess’s journey from tech systems to podcasting pro
• How Girls Make Bank was born (and what podcasting has done for Jack’s brand)
• The difference between personal and intimate storytelling
• What makes a podcast truly stand out
• Why more women need to be sharing their “tribal knowledge”
• The story and strategy behind KNWN
• The emotional rollercoaster of launching something new
• What “making bank” means when you’re building with values

Connect with Jess Milanes:

• Website: www.theknwn.com
• Instagram: @jessmilanes

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In this episode, Jac White sits down with Meg Clarke, founder of Clapping Dog Media, a boutique SEO agency helping women-led brands increase their visibility on Google and AI search tools. Meg brings her signature blend of warmth, clarity, and expertise to a conversation that unpacks the real story behind getting found online.

They dive into Meg’s unconventional journey from agency life to stay-at-home mom to sought-after SEO strategist. She shares how she built her business helping other women entrepreneurs attract warm leads through Google and why SEO is no longer optional in the age of AI.

From demystifying search engine strategy to sharing the emotional journey behind closing a passion project, Meg gets real about the evolution of entrepreneurship and what it takes to grow with your business.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• How Meg transitioned from graphic designer to SEO expert
• Why SEO is still critical (and more relevant with AI)
• The overlap between Google SEO and AI search visibility
• What makes a website “understandable” to search engines
• Why her membership program “Search Party” was a beautiful failure
• How to recognize when it’s time to pivot in your business
• Building a team and scaling without losing your magic

Connect with Meg Clarke and Clapping Dog Media:
Website: clappingdogmedia.com
LinkedIn: Meg Clarke

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I'm not usually one to gush about business books—most of them rehash the same tired advice. But these three? They genuinely shifted something in how I think about building Honeybees Co and working with my clients.

If you're running a service business, whether you're flying solo or building a small team, these aren't your typical "hustle harder" reads. They're about working smarter, showing up with more confidence, and creating something that doesn't fall apart the minute you step away.

Key Takeaways:

• How to shift from "How?" to "Who?" for smarter delegation
• Why enthusiasm matters as much as your offer
• Building systems that work without you
• Creating a business you could actually sell
• Applying startup principles to service businesses
• The gender gap in business publishing

Books Discussed:

• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Backable by Sunil Gupta
• Built to Sell by John Warrillow

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In this episode, Jac gets real about the tough—but necessary—moments of letting go in both life and business. Inspired by clearing out her son’s room as he starts first grade, Jac shares the emotional side of saying goodbye to things that once mattered deeply, and how those goodbyes create the space for something new.

Just like outgrowing toys, we often outgrow offers, systems, or clients that once served us. Holding onto them clutters our energy and stalls growth. But when we release what no longer fits, we create room for more aligned opportunities, scalable offers, better clients, and deeper peace.

This conversation is both personal and practical, diving into why change feels scarier in our heads than it actually is, why procrastination keeps us stuck, and how transitional seasons are the best times to sharpen skills and build the business we’re dreaming of.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Why the fear of change feels bigger than the change itself
• How procrastination is fueled by emotional overload (not laziness)
• Why you can’t grow if you’re holding onto everything
• The powerful connection between grief and growth in business
• Using transitional seasons to sharpen your skills and level up
• How the Honeybee Sales Circle supports women founders through change

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In this episode, Jac shares how she’s pressing the reset button after a full, joyful summer and setting up for a strong Q4. From self-assessments to sales calls, calendar design, and a fresh content strategy, you’ll learn the exact steps she’s taking to rebuild momentum—and how you can adapt them to your own business no matter what stage you’re in.

She also breaks down the three investments she made this summer that saved time, created clarity, and generated ROI she would absolutely repeat again.

This episode is all about structure, focus, and creating a rhythm that supports both your life and your business—so you can finish the year with energy, clarity, and results.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Why September is the “New Year” for women in business
• The three things to do now for a strong Q4 reset
• How to design your calendar to protect deep work and flow
• Shifting your content strategy from obligation to opportunity
• The three summer investments that paid off big

Apply to be a part of the Honeybees Sales Circle
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Visit us at honeybeesgroup.co