We recently connected with Lauren Cunningham and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

This is a question that I ask to almost all of my guests on my podcast because executing is the hard part. Typically, coming up with the idea is easier than taking action on the idea. I had always wanted to start a podcast. I loved listening to podcasts and I really wanted to have my own, but didn’t know what it would be about. Finally, in January of 2022, I came up with idea for the So Can I Podcast. Google was my best friend during that time — I had no clue what recording platform, editing software, or equipment I should use. Once I decided on those 3 things, it was go time. I think it’s so important, especially as an entrepreneur, to not get hung up on the details. I could have spent months researching everything or trying out different softwares and equipment. However, done was better than perfect. I knew if I could just launch the podcast, then I would be able to tweak things as I went on. I also knew that in order to have a successful podcast, I was going to have to practice. The first episode wasn’t going to be the biggest hit, nor was the 50th episode. I needed experience. And the only way to do that was to launch without it being perfect. I recently heard a this quote: “if your first product or services is perfect, then you started too late.” So my advice would be — figure out what you can, but don’t allow yourself to get lost in all of the details. You can’t have a successful podcast or business if you never launch it. Take action on your idea and then be ready to tweak things and pivot!

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been fascinated by business. I graduated with a degree in accounting, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed a place to channel my creativity and connect more deeply with people. That realization led me to launch my own social media marketing agency—where I now help fellow founders build their businesses online, craft intentional digital brands, and show up with clarity and confidence.

In June of 2022, I launched So Can I—a podcast and community rooted in the belief that stories have power. Each episode highlights a different female founder, sharing the real, unfiltered journey behind the business. My hope is that every listener walks away thinking, “If she can do it, so can I.”

I’m deeply passionate about connection, community, and championing other women in business. I believe encouragement is one of the most powerful tools we have—and that every woman deserves to feel seen, supported, and inspired as she builds her dream.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I started a business at the age of 23 and had no idea what I was doing! I was developing recipes for fitness apps, so I was creating the recipes, testing them, writing them, photographing them, and editing the photos/videos. A year later, I ended up getting an opportunity to manage a businesses’ social media, which consisted of creating and editing content. I had basically been doing that when I was developing recipes, just in a different way. So, I completely pivoted my business, and I am so glad that I did!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Something that has always been challenging for me is going from employee to business owner. Right out of college, I worked a 9-5 job. Most of my friends have 9-5 jobs, as well. One of the reasons I wanted to start my own business was because of the flexibility. However, I’ve always struggled getting out of that 9-5 mentality. I feel guilty when I am not at my desk from 9-5 each day. Recently, I have forced myself to take a walk in the middle of the day or say yes to a morning pickleball game. It feels so good to finally be coming out of that mindset and to work smarter, not harder.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurencunningham.co
• Instagram: socanipodcast