Marguerite shares her journey from bookkeeping and accounting into entrepreneurial advising and explains why helping business owners overcome financial fear and uncertainty became her passion. Together, Nina and Marguerite discuss common challenges entrepreneurs face, including financial avoidance, marketing changes, profitability concerns, and the isolation that often comes with running a business.

The conversation also explores trends Marguerite has observed while working with more than 1,000 entrepreneurs across Montana, including the rise of consulting businesses, female entrepreneurship, remote work, and the growing importance of networking and community.

Whether you're launching a new venture, growing an established business, or simply looking for encouragement on your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers practical insights, valuable resources, and a reminder that you don't have to do it alone.

Learn more about the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center and connect with Marguerite:

Website: https://acceleratemt.com/rmwbc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymountainwbc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockymountainwbc/

Marguerite on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margueritethordarson/

About Marguerite Thordarson

Marguerite Thordarson is a financial professional and business advisor with decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across Montana. She earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Montana Business School and has advised and trained more than 1,000 entrepreneurs through Blackstone LaunchPad and the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center.

Her work focuses on helping business owners gain confidence in their finances, navigate challenges, connect with resources, and build sustainable businesses. Through coaching, training, networking events, and community-building initiatives, she continues to support and strengthen Montana's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In this episode of Montana Multipreneurs, Nina and Mac sit down with Dr. Heather Penny — leadership coach, author, and speaker — for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, self-awareness, and creating what Heather calls “grace space.”

Heather shares her journey from education into executive coaching and discusses how leaders and entrepreneurs can better navigate pressure, expectations, emotional well-being, and personal growth. The conversation explores the difference between spiraling up versus spiraling down, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and practical ways to lead with both confidence and compassion.

The episode also dives into Heather’s 3C Framework and how it can help individuals and organizations move through challenges with greater clarity, courage, and connection.

Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or simply navigating a season of growth, this conversation offers meaningful insights on leadership, mindset, and resilience.

Connect with Dr. Heather Penny:

• Website: www.heatherpenny.com

• Social Links

You Tube: https://youtube.com/@heatherpenny?si=koO4y-6nVWEceHvq

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpennyphd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherpennyphd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherPennyPhD

• Book Links

  Grace Space: https://amzn.to/4obZAW3

  The Life You’re Made For: https://amzn.to/47IU9rU

  The Life You’re Made For Coaching Companion: https://amzn.to/4ol7UmM

  The Bracelet: https://amzn.to/47MufU4

  
  

What started as a personal passion quickly turned into a business when Alex recognized a gap—there weren’t enough accessible, supportive spaces for women to learn how to hunt and connect with the outdoors. Today, Venery has grown into a thriving community centered around mentorship, hands-on learning, and shared experiences.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How Alex turned an idea into a growing business
• The transition into the CEO role as a solopreneur
• Why focus and consistency are critical in entrepreneurship
• The challenges of balancing business, family, and personal energy
• Why community is the foundation for long-term success

This episode goes beyond hunting—it’s about leadership,

entrepreneurship, and creating something meaningful from

the ground up.

🔗 Connect with Alex & Venery

Website: https://veneremt.com
Instagram: @venerymt

Miguel shares his journey from being a shy kid to becoming a connector and entrepreneur, and breaks down the habits that made the difference — knowing your audience, showing up consistently, and following up with purpose. The conversation also covers practical tips for introverts, the power of auditing your network, and what's coming up with the Field Summit event.

If you've ever felt like networking was just small talk that goes nowhere, this one will change how you think about it.

Connect with Miguel:

Instagram: @iammiguelcamargo

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/flow

Paul shares his journey into the industry, the challenges entrepreneurs face when balancing selling and serving, and why authenticity is the foundation of sustainable growth. We also dive into AI in marketing, how to use it strategically, and where human connection still matters most.

This conversation is a grounded reminder that marketing works best when it aligns with your values and builds real relationships first. If you’re growing a business and want your message to feel like you, this one’s worth the listen.

Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-neace-b17a5534/

We explore the differences between individual and corporate wellness, including how organizations can view wellness as a meaningful investment rather than a “nice to have.” The conversation also covers workplace stress, productivity, and practical wellness tools for people who spend most of their day at a desk.

Ashlyn also shares how she works with both individual and corporate clients, details about an upcoming Florida trip and wellness event, her upcoming poetry book release, and the story behind the name The Collective OM.

Key Takeaway
Trauma-informed wellness matters. When we understand how stress lives in the body and focus on nervous system regulation, we create more sustainable support for both individuals and teams.

Guest Links
Website: https://www.thecollectiveom.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-schwartz-public-health/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectiveom/

It also touches on how early experiences influence leadership styles, the writing process and use of a writing coach, and feedback as an ongoing cycle within organizations. Additional themes include strengthening leadership and feedback skills in the workplace, Joan’s creativity and multifaceted approach to leadership coaching, and the value of coaches in entrepreneurship. Key takeaways emphasize feedback as essential to growth and the importance of continuous learning.

Connect with Joan below:

Website:joan@jdhinsights.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-joni-hibdon/

Instagram: @jdhinsights

Websites:

www.hr-nextgen.com

www.mavenadministrativeconsulting.com

Instagram & LinkedIn:

@montanamultipreneurs

@nextgenerationhr

@mavenadministrativeconsulting

Join us as we explore their journey from home brewing enthusiasts to community staples, sharing insights on balancing business with family life, and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Nic and Theresa open up about their passion for brewing, the challenges of running a business together, and their commitment to fostering a strong local community.

If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on building a business with heart, this episode is a must-listen.

This conversation is full of clarity, laughter, and real insight into what it takes to grow a business while staying true to who you are. We dig into what authenticity actually looks like in practice, why personal brand is more human than perfect, and how community and partnership shape the way we build.

We also talk about creativity, leadership, and navigating client growth in an ever-changing digital world. Kate brings honesty, warmth, and a grounded perspective that makes this episode an easy favorite.

If you’re looking for an episode that feels both inspiring and practical, this one’s for you.

Michelle shares how creativity and play have shaped her leadership philosophy and fueled her success across multiple ventures. We talk about the intersection of fun and purpose, how leaders can use play to build stronger teams, and why business growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of joy.

This conversation is equal parts insightful, inspiring, and a reminder that leadership can — and should — be fun.

Tune in for stories, laughter, and lessons from one of the most dynamic leaders we know.