Real stories. Real people. Real lessons.
Welcome to The Journey : In Conversation—a special series where we sit down with founders, builders, and big thinkers to explore the highs, lows, pivots, and lightbulb moments that define their entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial journey. These unscripted conversations go beyond surface-level success stories. We dig into motivation, failure, resilience, and… execution—so you can absorb lessons by osmosis and apply them to your own journey.
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Prefer watching on YouTube? This podcast episode was also filmed live and published on July 22, 2025.
Episode Description
In the first episode of The Journey : In Conversation, I talk with Katelyn McArdle, Founder of Functional Authority LLC, about what it’s really like to build a solo consulting business from the ground up. We explore the early uncertainty, the value of learning through small experiments, how to earn trust without over-committing, and why showing up with clarity and purpose matters more than chasing scale. If you’re navigating a transition or thinking about launching something of your own, Katelyn’s reflections offer a thoughtful and practical perspective.
Summary of Insights
Why your first website might fail—even if you’re a digital marketing pro—and how early feedback can reshape your approach.
How offering free strategy sessions can lead to better-fit clients, stronger referrals, and less wasted time.
The difference between pitching tactics and uncovering the root problem in prospect conversations.
What to do when you’re stuck between contract work and building your own business—and how to know when it’s time to commit.
A practical framework for de-risking new client relationships through “one free call, one small project, then decide.”
Why hourly billing often creates more confusion than clarity—and how to shift to project-based work.
The importance of communicating how you work, not just what you do.
How to rethink career diversification like an investment portfolio—and why it might be time to build your own side project.
Why solo consultants should define their own version of success instead of blindly chasing scale.
How to build systems your clients can actually use—so they don’t burn out when you’re gone.
About the Guest
Having been on all sides of a business operations, from client-side in non-profits, to marketing agency partners, and now as an independent consultant, Katelyn McArdle founded Functional Authority to help organizations make clear, actionable decisions to go from "point A" to "point B" in periods of transition. Instead of getting lost in endless ideas, Katelyn empowers leaders to build sustainable momentum without wasting time on inefficient tasks. Through Functional Authority, she offers tailored solutions to help businesses operate smarter, create lasting impact, and give back to the communities they serve.
Have a purpose-driven organization struggling with momentum? Katelyn’s offering a free strategy call : book yours here.
Connect with Katelyn :
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