Unprofessional

Hilary Corna

Hilary Corna, former Toyota executive and process expert, empowers service-based businesses to streamline operations and scale with clarity using the PDCA methodology. Unprofessional is a community-driven podcast for bold leaders seeking actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and the tools to build streamlined, impactful businesses with purpose.  

  1. MAY 29

    Timeless Branding in a Trend-Obsessed World with Seth Spears, Founder of Wellnesse

    Register for our FREE training www.HilaryCorna.com/webinar In this episode, Hillary speaks with Seth Spears — digital strategist, entrepreneur, and branding expert — to explore how foundational clarity and values-driven branding create long-term business success. From building brands that connect on a deeper level to navigating digital shifts with intention, Seth shares how businesses can stand out in a noisy world. They dive into online identity, SEO myths, timeless marketing principles, and what it really takes to build trust in the digital age. Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIMESTAMPS [01:40] Seth’s Background and Business Roots [05:28] The Power of Clarity in Branding [09:51] Common Mistakes in Online Marketing [14:10] Timeless vs. Trendy Strategies [18:33] Branding in a Post-SEO World [23:12] Values as a Compass for Business [27:58] Advice for Founders Looking to Evolve [32:46] The Future of Digital Trust ABOUT SETH SPEARS Seth Spears is the founder and chief visionary officer of Wellnesse, a B Corp certified brand of all-natural oral care products that are safer and perform better than conventional, toxic alternatives.  Prior to starting Wellnesse, he used his background in digital marketing, web design, SEO, and social media to co-found and serve as CMO/CTO of Wellness Mama, growing it into the largest health & wellness website and podcast for health conscious moms.  Longer bio can be found here: https://sethspears.com/about/

    27 min

  2. MAY 14

    Mashup 2025: Scaling Through Smart Processes

    This special episode brings together top moments from our 2025 interviews — real stories and strategies from founders and experts who scaled their companies through smart processes. Quick wins, big insights, and practical tips to help you grow better, not just bigger.

    22 min

  3. MAY 1

    Ops Excellence with Ryan Fortner, Director of Operations for William Valve

    Register for our FREE training www.HilaryCorna.com/webinar In this episode, Hillary is joined by Ryan Fortner, Director of Operations for William Valve, for a raw and honest conversation about leading a legacy brand through change. With decades of operational experience and a no-excuses leadership style, Ryan shares what it really takes to level up performance while staying rooted in values. They talk about what it means to scale a people-first company, the pressures of modern leadership, and why culture eats strategy for breakfast. From shop floors to boardrooms, Ryan brings a grounded perspective on the future of business. Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIME STAMPS [01:51] Ryan’s Background and Family Business Roots [06:14] Turning Around a 1939 Legacy Brand [09:43] Operations vs. Culture — Finding the Balance [13:27] How to Lead Without Burning Out [17:52] The Power of Owning Mistakes [22:11] Lessons from Goettl’s Growth Journey [26:49] Advice for Today’s People-Centric Leaders ABOUT RYAN FORTNER Director of Operations for William Valve

    38 min

  4. APR 23

    Jon MacDonald CEO of The Good

    Register for our FREE training TODAY www.HilaryCorna.com/webinar In this episode, Hillary welcomes Jon MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Good, a conversion rate optimization firm helping brands turn more browsers into buyers. With clients like Adobe and The Economist, Jon brings a no-fluff, data-forward mindset to digital growth. Together, they unpack the myths around CRO, why most companies focus on the wrong metrics, and how to build a culture of testing and learning. Jon shares how his team helps businesses uncover what their customers actually want — and why clarity always beats cleverness. If you think optimization is just button colors and heatmaps, this episode will flip the script. Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIMESTAMPS [01:18] Jon’s Journey from eCommerce to Optimization [04:45] The Birth of The Good [09:02] What CRO Really Means [13:57] The Problem with Assumptions [18:26] How Testing Creates Clarity [22:33] Winning vs. Learning in Business [28:41] Misconceptions About Conversion [33:50] Advice for Brands Scaling Online ABOUT JON MACDONALD CEO at The Good, optimization for top brands Nike, Xerox, Adobe, The Economist & more for 15+ yrs | Author & Speaker | 6'7" 🏀 | Jr Olympic 🥇🥋 | http://jonmacdonald.com 50% off ebook version of Behind The Click using code BTCPODCAST50 at https://thegood.com/btc

    30 min

  5. APR 17

    [SOLO] A Grounded Start: A Mindfulness Meditation for Process Improvement

    Register for our FREE training www.HilaryCorna.com/webinar Most people think process improvement is all about tools and systems—but the truth is, your mindset shapes everything. In this short guided meditation, Hilary invites you to slow down, ground yourself, and create the mental space necessary to lead change with clarity and intention. Whether you’re stepping into a Kaizen, leading a team through a new SOP, or simply wanting to reset before a big day—this episode offers a moment of calm to reconnect with why you do this work in the first place. 💡 In just a few minutes, you'll: Center yourself before diving into process challengesRelease mental clutter and open up creative thinkingSet a clear, calm intention for improvement work Put in your headphones, take a breath, and let’s begin. Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social

    6 min

  6. APR 11

    3 Tools to Transform Your Business with Jim Manley, CEO of Manley Creative

    Register for our FREE training www.HilaryCorna.com/webinar In this episode, Hilary Corna is joined by special guest Jim to unpack the core tools that drive true process excellence—straight from the source: Toyota. They explore the foundational practices that every process improvement effort should begin with, how to maximize ROI in the shortest time possible, and why simplifying your approach can lead to massive results. Whether you're deep into Lean thinking or just starting your journey toward operational excellence, this episode offers a crystal-clear roadmap. Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIMESTAMPS: [03:00] Making industrial work look inspiring [06:00] Why quality and excellence are still vital in an “efficiency-first” business world. [09:00] The risks of transactional client relationships and how to shift toward true collaboration. [12:00] Operational flow [18:00] Jim’s reflective leadership—“What would 80-year-old Jim say?” [21:00] How structured playbooks have created process consistency for clients. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jim fell in love with telling memorable stories when he was 5 years old. Since then, Jim grew up to first spend 14 years in the news business winning many awards, including 28 Rocky Mountain Emmy awards and 2 New York Film Festival awards. After that, Jim started Manley Creative and was the sole employee. For almost 2 decades, he’s been proud to watch the company grow into an agency with a global reach. In addition to being a Dad of 3 boys, Jim taught at ASU for 18 years, is an author, is currently the Chairman of the board at The Phoenix Theatre Company, and is an advisory board member for the Phoenix Film Festival Foundation.  https://www.instagram.com/manleycreativeteam/

    24 min

  7. APR 3

    [Solo] Customer For Life Cycle

    In this episode, Hilary Corna dives deep into the customer lifecycle and how it serves as the foundation for creating long-term customer relationships. From post-sales strategies to operationalizing key processes, this discussion provides a roadmap for fostering customer loyalty and driving sustainable business growth. Whether you're refining your operations or rethinking your customer retention strategies, this episode delivers actionable insights to transform your approach. Visit www.hilarycorna.com/workshop for an example of a Goods & Information Flow Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIMESTAMPS [03:58] Post-Sales Success [10:01] Finding the Right Fit [15:01] Operationalizing the Customer Lifecycle

    17 min

  8. MAR 26

    Streamlined Processes with Steve Niehoff, COO of Group Plan Systems

    Struggling to break free from operational chaos? Let’s fix that—with insights from an expert! In this episode, our host is joined by Steve Niehoff, a seasoned expert in operational efficiency and process improvement. Together, they tackle the challenges of disorganized workflows and explore how to turn chaos into systems that work like clockwork. From setting clear roles to empowering employees with the tools they need, Steve shares actionable strategies to supercharge team performance, reduce burnout, and scale your business with confidence. Register for our free webinar http://www.hilarycorna.com/webinar Visit www.HilaryCorna.com/learning-center for free tools and resources Follow @HilaryCorna on social TIMESTAMPS [00:02:45] Meet the Guest: Steve Niehoff [00:07:49] The Problem with Disorganized Workflows [00:12:53] How Process Clarity Drives Team Success [00:19:02] Step 1: Mapping the Current State [00:25:10] Communicating Expectations Effectively [00:29:46] Empowering Employees to Eliminate Burnout [00:34:04] Preparing for Scalable Growth ABOUT STEVE NIEHOFF Steve Niehoff, Chief Operating Officer at Group Plan Systems, helps companies, teams, and individuals execute more efficiently by simplifying complex challenges and driving better results. He focuses on strengthening the retirement system for employers and employees through innovative solutions, improved processes, and effective risk management. Outside of work, Steve enjoys volunteering, bird-watching with his wife, tackling yard work, and immersing himself in great stories. https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-niehoff-4920b86/  info@groupplansystems.com

    36 min
See All (132)

    5
    out of 5
    60 Ratings

    About

    Hilary Corna, former Toyota executive and process expert, empowers service-based businesses to streamline operations and scale with clarity using the PDCA methodology. Unprofessional is a community-driven podcast for bold leaders seeking actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and the tools to build streamlined, impactful businesses with purpose.  

    Information

    • Creator
      Hilary Corna
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      132
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 Unprofessional
    • Show Website
      Unprofessional

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