{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Building a Business in Uncertain Times: KPIs, Mindset, and Follow-Through","description":"In a world where the word most leaders use is \u201cuncertain,\u201d what does it really take to build something that lasts? In this episode, Mike talks with Sarah Englade, Founder and CEO of Monarch Talent Solutions, about launching and growing a recruiting firm in 2020\u2014when companies were laying people off, not hiring. Sarah shares how a COVID layoff pushed her to bet on herself, why KPIs and processes are non-negotiable, and how she built a relationship-first recruiting brand in a noisy, skeptical market. They dig into the mindset shifts that separate entrepreneurs who keep going from those who quietly quit, the role of belief when the numbers aren\u2019t there yet, and how time blocking keeps you out of \u201ctension-relieving\u201d activity and focused on what truly moves the ball. If you\u2019re leading a business, a team, or your own career through uncertainty, this conversation gives you practical handles\u2014not theories\u2014you can put to work this week. Highlights How a COVID layoff became the catalyst for Sarah to launch Monarch Talent Solutions The difference between working in KPI-driven environments vs. \u201cno metrics, total chaos\u201d Why Sarah \u201clives for KPIs and processes\u201d and how they actually protect culture and standards The candidate and client follow-through processes that turn transactions into long-term relationships Building a credible brand without \u201cinfomercial\u201d content or constant self-promotion Using market intel and real conversations to position yourself as a trusted guide The biggest early hurdle: mindset, not circumstance How time blocking keeps you out of the swirl and focused on goal-achieving work Starting each day with the task you least want to do \u2014 and why that moves the needle most Next Steps for Listeners Audit your KPIs: Ask yourself, \u201cWhat are the 3\u20135 activities that actually drive results for my team or business?\u201d Turn those into visible, trackable KPIs. Design one follow-through process: Choose either candidates, clients, or customers and map a simple sequence: How often will you touch them? Through which channels? What value will you bring each time? Time block your week: Take Sarah\u2019s playbook and dedicate specific days or blocks to different priorities (e.g., candidates early in the week, business development later). Start tomorrow with the hard thing: Before you end your day, write down the one task you\u2019re resisting \u2014 and commit to tackling it first thing. Connect with Sarah: Reach out to Sarah Englade on LinkedIn (https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarah-englade\/) or email her at sarah@monarchtalentsolutions.com if you want to go deeper on recruiting, branding, or building a relationship-first search firm. Stay in the conversation: Follow Strategies for Tomorrow\u2019s Leaders and share this episode with another entrepreneur or leader who\u2019s navigating uncertainty right now ","author_name":"Leadership Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders Podcast with Mike Lejeune","author_url":"https:\/\/lightingthepath.net\/","html":"