Category: Money

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5 Ways to Be a Conscious Capitalist (Ep. 73)

5 Ways to Be a Conscious Capitalist (Ep. 73)

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On this episode, Christine Luken breaks down the concept of “conscious capitalism” which is a way of doing business that’s about more than just profit. It’s about paying people well, choosing vendors with values, and using your financial power to uplift others (including Mother Earth).

Christine shares stories from her own journey and offers actionable steps any you can take, whether you’re hiring staff, picking suppliers, or deciding where to spend and give. Imagine leading your firm with both confidence and compassion…and watching your influence grow.

 

Christine discusses:

  • Distinction between traditional capitalism and conscious capitalism.
  • Why “conscious capitalism” isn’t just for big corporations.
  • How to give back without sacrificing growth?
  • Benefits of buying from women and minority-owned businesses.
  • Learn how generosity and ethical decision-making can actually fuel business growth.
  • How to connect purpose with profit.
  • Small changes you can make to better protect the environment.

 

Resources:

 

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IP for the Heart Centered Entrepreneur (Ep. 72)

IP for the Heart Centered Entrepreneur (Ep. 72)

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On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with guest Shannon Villalba, founder of Heartsong Legal and a true innovator in the world of trademarks, copyright, and business strategy. Shannon isn’t your typical IP attorney, she’s a digital artist, a legal strategist, and someone who truly understands what it means to build a business with both ambition and purpose.

Shannon shares her journey from working with major entertainment brands to helping entrepreneurs protect the very ideas and methods that make them unique. You’ll learn the key differences between trademarks and copyrights, the common IP pitfalls that even smart business owners miss, and practical tips for turning your intellectual assets into long-term business value.

 

Christine and Shannon discuss:

  • What Shannon learned about branding and business development from working with artists such as Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.
  • The difference between trademarks and copyright.
  • Common IP mistakes heart-centered entrepreneurs make.
  • How protecting your intellectual property impacts the owner’s emotional well-being.
  • How having a trademark stopped a multi-million dollar insurance company from registering “financial dignity”.
  • The right time to consult an IP attorney and why waiting could cost you more than you think.

Resources:

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Connect with Shannon Villalba:

 

About Shannon Villalba:

Shannon Villalba, JD LLM, is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and holistic practitioner, and is the founder of Heartsong Legal fka Villalba Law Firm, a law firm providing holistic business and legal strategies. Her holistic approach guides her clients through business and law, drawing upon her personal experiences, intuition, and signature Heartsong Chakra Framework, enabling her clients to change their legal and business strategy narratives.

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Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

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On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken tackles a timely question:
Will AI Replace Financial Coaches?

The answer might surprise you, yes and no.

Discover why a human touch remains vital in your financial journey, especially during stressful or complex situations. Christine shares personal stories, explores the limitations of AI when it comes to emotional intelligence, and highlights how technology can actually enhance your financial planning by making support more accessible, data-driven, and tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re considering adding an AI-driven resource to your advisory team or wondering what a human coach can do that an app can’t, this episode breaks down the balance.

Learn how you can combine the best of both worlds to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind.

Christine discusses:

  • Human wisdom is an irreplaceable asset.
  • AI is a powerful support tool not a substitute.
  • Why AI cannot provide genuine emotional support?.
  • How AI makes financial coaching more scalable and accessible.
  • Emma, a custom financial coaching AI that mimics her voice, wisdom and approach.


Resources:


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Creating Time Wealth with Mark Dolfini (Ep. 67)

Creating Time Wealth with Mark Dolfini (Ep. 67)

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On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken and Mark Dolfini discuss the concept of time wealth, emphasizing its importance for entrepreneurs. Mark shares his journey from feeling overwhelmed in his business to creating a framework that enables better time management and personal fulfillment. They delve into the Viper framework, which includes vision, infrastructure, process, execution, and reporting, providing actionable insights for business owners to reclaim their time and achieve a balanced life. The conversation also explores overcoming guilt and fear, the importance of delegation, and the benefits of building a supportive team.

Mark discusses:

  • The relationship between time wealth and financial wealth for entrepreneurs.
  • How he unintentionally created the opposite of time wealth in his business.
  • Why it is important to have a clear vision for your business and life.
  • The concept of hiding in activity or inactivity.
  • His “VIPER” method for reclaiming time.
  • The three Cs of a business vision.

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken:

 

Connect with Mark Dolfini:

 

About our Guest:

With an eclectic background spanning from his time as a U.S. Marine to various professional roles, including accounting and real estate, Mark Dolfini gathered a wealth of experience—both in successes and failures. It’s this diverse journey that uniquely qualifies him as a strategic business coach.

But, beyond qualifications, Mark’s mission has been clear—he’s here to guide individuals who are tired of being run by their businesses and instead want their businesses to serve their lives.

Strategic Boardroom was born out of this idea and strives to help business owners and leaders learn how to set clear priorities, maintain a focused vision, and implement systems that align with that vision.

We are committed to showing you that it’s possible to achieve both personal and professional success without sacrificing one for the other.

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My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

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On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, explores her top three emotional money tools to help you make smarter financial decisions and grow your wealth . Christine shared why emotionally charged savings matter, how processing your emotions can help you spend less, and the power of treating yourself like your own best friend when big money choices arise. Remember, your emotions aren’t the enemy—they’re the key to more confident and successful financial planning.

Christine discusses:

  • The primitive’s brain preference for immediate reward over delayed gratification.
  • How to use both positive and negative emotions to encourage savings.
  • The myth that you can leave emotions out of money.
  • The interplay between logic and emotions work in financial decision making.
  • How to manage not eliminate emotions before making financial decisions.

 

Resources:

 

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How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

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On this episode of The Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Akash Kanojia, finance professor at UT Austin and a former Wall Street bond investor with over 15 years of experience at institutions like McKinsey and the Federal Reserve. Together, they tackle one of the toughest challenges for high-achieving professionals: how to keep your cool and stick to your investment plan when market volatility triggers panic, fear, and even FOMO.

Akash shares candid stories from his own investment career—including early setbacks and the lessons learned about discipline, emotional awareness, and long-term strategy. He unpacks why even the savviest professionals can fall prey to herd mentality, make impulsive decisions, or let their egos interfere with sound judgment. Christine and Akash offer clear, practical advice for staying focused on your financial goals, building robust systems, and harnessing emotional intelligence to make better decisions—especially when markets go haywire.


Christine and Akash discuss:

  • Why every market crash is an emotional story
  • The permanence of fear and panic even among professional investors.
  • The major lessons Akash learnt from his $750,000 trading loss.
  • How external opinions and sensationalist media coverage amplify investor emotions.
  • Historical cycles of FOMO.
  • Why it is important to reframe money as a tool to support not define happiness

 

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Akash Kanojia

 

About our Guest:

Akash holds a BBA degree from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a BA degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from New York University’s School of Law, where he was a Jacobson Scholar in Law & Business, and a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Akash is also a member of the New York State Bar and is a CFA charterholder.

Akash has also had roles at McKinsey & Company, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He led the stand-up, launch and day-to-day operations of the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, an emergency lending vehicle at the vanguard of the Federal Reserve’s effort to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also a key advisor to Federal Reserve Bank of New York leadership on green finance and markets. At McKinsey, he assisted financial and energy sector clients in navigating the aftermath of the 2008 crash. He managed a €30 billion sovereign fixed-income portfolio across the euro, dollar, and yen at De Nederlandsche Bank. Akash founded two companies, one in the battery space and another in the document management space, and served for 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Lineage Project, an NYC nonprofit. Akash is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at NYU’s School of Law and its Stern School of Business.

 

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Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

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On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken explores the intricate relationship between money and happiness. She emphasizes that while money can support happiness, it is not the source of it. The conversation delves into the concept of the income plateau, where happiness levels off after a certain income point. Christine encourages listeners to find joy in their current financial journey, practice mindfulness in money management, and prioritize spending on experiences and relationships over material possessions. The episode concludes with a focus on aligning spending with personal values and the intentional use of money to foster a fulfilling life.

Christine discusses:

  • The job of money is to support our happiness, not be the source of it.
  • True happiness is about peace, well-being, and contentment.
  • More money can increase happiness, but only to a point.
  • Chasing money as a source of happiness is a losing race.
  • Ignoring money leads to stress and anxiety.
  • Spending  out of alignment with your happiness.

 

Resources:

 

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Scam Proof Your Money with Dave Hatter (Ep. 63)

Scam Proof Your Money with Dave Hatter (Ep. 63)

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On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with cybersecurity expert Dave Hatter to unpack the latest tricks scammers are using to target individuals and businesses. They discuss the evolution of scams, the role of social engineering, and the necessity of cybersecurity awareness. Dave shares insights on common scams, particularly those that exploit emotions related to money, and emphasizes the need for strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Christine and Dave discuss:

  • The most common scams hitting inboxes and smartphones right now.
  • How a few smart habits can keep your money secure—no tech degree required.
  • Real-world examples of financial scams targeting professionals and businesses
  • How social engineering and spoofing make even the savviest professionals vulnerable.
  • Practical, actionable steps individuals and businesses can to safeguard their financial information and navigate the digital landscape safely:
    • Using strong, unique passwords and password managers.
    • Turning on multi-factor authentication for all business-critical accounts.
    • Recognizing red flags in suspicious communications.

Resources:

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Connect with Dave Hatter:

 

Scam Protection Websites & Resources

 

About Our Guest:

Dave Hatter is Cincinnati’s top cyber security pro. If his name sounds familiar, it’s not surprising: He’s an award-winning technology professional who’s done thousands of media interviews as a subject matter expert. In addition to offering expert advice on the radio, TV and internet, Dave serves as Intrust’s cyber security consultant.

During Dave’s 30 plus years in the business, he’s focused on software development and cyber security. He has experience as a software engineer, project manager and instructor. In addition to working in the industry for decades, Dave has been an adjunct instructor at Cincinnati State Community and Technical College for nearly 20 years, teaching programming courses to help the next generation of workers prepare for careers in technology.

An enthusiastic technology student and evangelist, Dave has written more than 100 published articles and has been quoted in national and regional print media including: The Wall Street Journal, Money, MSNBC, Salon, Reader’s Digest, MSN, Business Insider, The Street, Yahoo!Money, The Ladders, Dice.com, InfoWorld, ComputerWorld, CIO, CSO, CIO Update, Search CIO, Digital Trends, Tech Beacon, CyberNews, Lifewire and GearBrain.

Dave is passionate about cyber security, lifelong learning and continuous improvement and he is constantly working to improve his skills and stay at the cutting edge of industry. He has earned the following cyber security certifications and is always working toward something new:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISA)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • CompTIA’s Security +
  • CompTIA’s Network +

If you’re up early on Fridays, tune in to Dave’s regular radio show, “Tech Friday” aired each week at 6:30 a.m. on 55KRC in Cincinnati. You can also catch him each Monday on Toledo’s WTVG Tech Monday at 6:30 a.m. and The Nine at 9 a.m. on ABC 13.

You can view nearly 250 of Dave’s interviews on his YouTube channel.

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Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

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On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down sits down with renowned Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor® Tania Brown to tackle the emotional rollercoaster and financial realities of leaving traditional employment and building your own business. You’ll hear about Tania’s own journey from executive life to entrepreneurship (hint: it did NOT involve riding off into the sunset on a unicorn), the common pitfalls ambitious people tend to overlook, and the step-by-step considerations you must address to put yourself—and your family—on smart financial footing.

This engaging conversation is full of candid stories, tangible processes, and practical mindset shifts to make sure your leap isn’t just brave, but also brilliantly planned.

Christine and Tania discuss:

  • The importance of setting up a clear, confident exit strategy.
  • How to manage unpredictable income after leaving a steady paycheck.
  • How to avoid common pitfalls like underpricing yourself or over-investing in business tools you don’t need.
  • The major challenges women over the age of 40 face when transitioning to self-employment.
  • Making the emotional transition from leader to entrepreneur with peace of mind.
  • Actionable steps for calculating your living and business expenses during a transition.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Tania Brown:

 

About Our Guest:

Tania Brown i]s a financial coach with over 20 years of experience, She helps corporate women build a financial bridge to the self-employed life they’ve dreamed of.

She does this by simplifying the complexities of navigating personal, business, and often overlooked mindset aspects of the transition from steady paychecks to unstable business income.

She’ll help you:

☑ Get Clarity and Direction: Move past confusion by understanding your current financial picture and assessing your personal “Quit Job” readiness with confidence.

☑ Uncover Key Blindspots: Proactively identify potential financial roadblocks or overlooked areas so you can take smart action before you make your leap.

☑ Map Your “Freedom” Date: Create a realistic financial timeline so you know exactly when you can confidently resign and begin building your self-employed life.

You won’t leave with just theory; you’ll have your personalized Blueprint—a solid starting point for making a confident transition to living life on your own terms.

Imagine this:

⋅ Waking up every morning excited to work with your clients.
⋅ Setting your own hours and creating a schedule that honors your priorities.
⋅ Building a thriving business that supports your dreams.

This is within your reach! Ready to finally take the step to live life on your own terms?

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Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

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On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, dives deep into the often uncomfortable topic of “Overcoming Money Shame.” Using insights from Brene Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart,” Christine unpacks heavy emotions like shame, guilt, and perfectionism—showing how they manifest specifically in our financial lives. She inspires us to embrace self-compassion and empathy, positioning these as the keys to break free from the shackles of money shame.

Christine discusses:

  • The difference between guilt and shame in the context of managing personal finances.
  • How to break out of money shame cycle.
  • Her personal journey of overcoming money shame.
  • How perfectionism can sabotage your future growth.
  • What she learnt from the challenges she faced in the BODi LAVA fitness program.
  • The importance of self-compassion in overcoming money shape and achieving financial dignity.

 

Resources:

 

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