Courage & Clarity Podcast - Episode 138: How Group Programs Can Save Your Summer

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Host: Steph Crowder
Podcast Description:
"These spirited conversations give us a peek behind the curtain and share what it really takes to earn an independent living doing something you love. Add one part grounding inspiration to one part tangible tactics and you've got this podcast: a unique way to catch insights that really work from successful female entrepreneurs. These real, honest stories will help you find the courage and clarity to go after what you love!"

Introduction

In Episode 138 of the Courage & Clarity podcast, host Steph Crowder delves into the transformative power of group programs, particularly focusing on how they have been instrumental in shaping her summer as both a dedicated mother and a successful CEO. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, Steph illustrates the profound impact that scalable business models can have on achieving work-life balance without compromising client satisfaction or business growth.

Overview of Steph Crowder’s Business Model

Steph begins by reflecting on her ninth summer balancing motherhood with running a business. Over the years, she has experimented with various business models, ultimately finding her niche in managing two group programs. This approach has become her favorite, enabling her to design a lifestyle that harmonizes personal fulfillment with professional success.

Steph Crowder [05:30]: "Running the business model that I have now with two group programs is truly my favorite way that I've discovered as far as having the lifestyle that I want to have."

She emphasizes that while group programs have been her ideal model, she acknowledges that different business structures, such as one-on-one client models or digital courses, can also facilitate an enjoyable summer. Her aim is not to discourage other entrepreneurs but to showcase the benefits of her preferred model.

Benefits of Group Programs

1. Time Efficiency and Batching

One of the standout advantages of Steph’s group programs is the ability to batch client interactions, significantly reducing the time spent on coaching without sacrificing quality.

Steph Crowder [12:45]: "Suddenly 10 hours of seeing clients can condense down into two hours."

By conducting group coaching sessions, she can support multiple clients simultaneously, freeing up ample time to engage in personal activities like spending time with her children or enjoying summer leisure.

2. Enhanced Client Impact

Steph highlights that group programs allow her to maintain high client engagement and deliver impactful results. Clients feel personally attended to despite the scaled nature of the program.

Steph Crowder [18:20]: "They still feel known by me and seen by me."

Moreover, the group setting fosters an environment where clients benefit not only from Steph’s coaching but also from the collective energy and accountability of their peers.

3. Asynchronous Support Structures

Beyond live coaching calls, Steph incorporates asynchronous support mechanisms, enabling clients to receive feedback and assistance on their own schedules.

Steph Crowder [27:10]: "I've been able to give feedback... when it works for me and when it works for my schedule."

This flexibility ensures that clients can progress continuously, even when Steph is unavailable for live sessions.

Building a Sustainable Schedule

Steph outlines her meticulously crafted schedule that accommodates both her business obligations and personal life. By limiting live client sessions to specific days and hours, she ensures that her summers are both productive and memorable.

Steph Crowder [21:50]: "I have coaching calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays... and sometimes Wednesdays."

This structure not only supports her family life but also sets clear expectations for her clients and team members, promoting a well-organized and stress-free environment.

Peer-Led Momentum

A unique feature of Steph’s group programs is the cultivation of peer support and accountability among clients. This communal aspect enhances the overall effectiveness of the program and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

Steph Crowder [34:00]: "We have clients working on different projects, cheering each other on, and holding each other accountable in ways that wouldn't be possible one-on-one."

Such interactions create a vibrant community where clients motivate and inspire one another, amplifying the collective success of the group.

Mindset Shifts for Scalability

A significant part of Steph’s success with group programs lies in her mindset shift from viewing herself as the sole catalyst for her clients’ progress to empowering her clients through diversified support systems.

Steph Crowder [46:30]: "I no longer see my time as the only way for people to get results or that their results stop when I go on vacation."

By developing leadership within her programs and integrating additional support coaches, Steph ensures that her clients continue to thrive even when she is not directly involved, thus fostering long-term sustainability and preventing burnout.

Visualization and Goal Setting

Towards the end of the episode, Steph introduces a powerful visualization exercise aimed at helping listeners design their ideal summer. She encourages taking time to envision every aspect of one's life, from work schedules to personal activities, and manifesting those visions into reality.

Steph Crowder [58:00]: "Write exactly what your life looks like next summer... Allow yourself to dream it."

This exercise not only serves as a motivational tool but also as a strategic planner, aligning personal aspirations with business objectives to create a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Steph wraps up the episode by reiterating the transformative potential of group programs. She shares her personal fulfillment derived from helping a large number of clients achieve their goals while enjoying personal time, emphasizing that such a balance is attainable for other entrepreneurs as well.

Steph Crowder [1:05:15]: "My dream is to have such a deep impact on a hundred active clients between my two programs without compromise."

She invites listeners to join her advanced sales training class, "Fill Your Group Program in Five Weeks," scheduled for June 24th, offering it as a gateway to replicating her success.

Steph Crowder [1:05:50]: "If this sounds like work that you want to do with somebody who has figured out how to do it and helps people do it every single day, then I want to invite you to think about applying for sold out group programs."

Key Takeaways

1. Scalability Through Group Programs: Managing group programs allows for greater client reach and impact within limited time frames, enhancing both business efficiency and personal freedom.

2. Structured Scheduling: Implementing a strict schedule for live sessions ensures a balanced approach to work and personal life, preventing burnout and preserving cherished time with family.

3. Community and Peer Support: Building a supportive community within group programs fosters accountability and mutual encouragement, elevating client success beyond individual coaching.

4. Mindset Transformation: Shifting from a single-client focus to empowering clients through diverse support mechanisms is crucial for sustainable business growth and personal well-being.

5. Visualization as a Strategic Tool: Envisioning and articulating desired outcomes helps in aligning business practices with personal goals, paving the way for a harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Power of Group Programs:
  "Suddenly 10 hours of seeing clients can condense down into two hours." [12:45]

• On Client Engagement:
  "They still feel known by me and seen by me." [18:20]

• On Asynchronous Support:
  "I've been able to give feedback... when it works for me and when it works for my schedule." [27:10]

• On Peer-Led Momentum:
  "We have clients working on different projects, cheering each other on, and holding each other accountable in ways that wouldn't be possible one-on-one." [34:00]

• On Mindset Shifts:
  "I no longer see my time as the only way for people to get results or that their results stop when I go on vacation." [46:30]

• On Visualization Exercise:
  "Write exactly what your life looks like next summer... Allow yourself to dream it." [58:00]

• On Achieving Balance:
  "My dream is to have such a deep impact on a hundred active clients between my two programs without compromise." [1:05:15]

• Invitation to Training:
  "If this sounds like work that you want to do with somebody who has figured out how to do it and helps people do it every single day, then I want to invite you to think about applying for sold out group programs." [1:05:50]

Final Thoughts

Steph Crowder’s Episode 138 serves as an inspiring blueprint for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses without sacrificing personal time and family life. By leveraging group programs, Steph has not only amplified her impact but also cultivated a sustainable and joyful lifestyle. Her insights and actionable strategies provide a valuable roadmap for those aspiring to balance professional success with personal fulfillment.

If you're looking to transform your business model and achieve a harmonious work-life balance, consider joining Steph’s upcoming advanced sales training class, "Fill Your Group Program in Five Weeks," and take the first step towards crafting your dream summer and beyond.

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 138: How Group Programs Can Save Your Summer. For more insights and actionable strategies, tune into the full episode on your preferred podcast platform.