Imperfectly Impactful with Cat Roten

Today’s episode I got to sit down with my friend Vanessa Kavulish, someone I connected with back in 2024 and continue to grow alongside in such a real and meaningful way. 
When I think about the last year, and how much both of us have evolved in our businesses, our identities, and even our friendship, this conversation captures all of it.
We talk about what it means to grow intentionally… not just in business, but in your relationships, your energy, and the way you choose who gets access to you. 
We’ve both been in seasons of learning to nurture the right people, honor our bandwidth, and let go of the “golden retriever” version of ourselves that befriended everyone and tried to hold it all.
Vanessa also shares what it’s been like to evolve as a Human Design manifesting generator, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, and someone who genuinely loves to build.
We dive deep into:
Fear, discomfort, and “the edge” — and how to know when it’s a loving push vs. a misaligned yes.
Why some people thrive with multiple passions and why that’s a gift, not a flaw.
The truth about consulting vs. fractional vs. coaching, and why consulting is such a powerful support system for founders.
It’s honest, energizing, and such a reminder that we are all allowed to grow, shift, and re-choose as many times as we need.
Resources:
Connect with Vanessa- IG @vkgrowthconsulting
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

Some episodes feel less like content and more like a much needed conversation. And this one with Allie is exactly that. If you’ve been navigating seasons of change or craving real connection while building a business… this conversation will meet you right where you are.In today’s episode, Allie and I drop into a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of entrepreneurship, identity, community, and choosing relationships that actually sustain us. We talk about what it means to grow in public and let people support you even when receiving still feels tender.Allie shares her journey from Costa Rica retreats to deeply rooted community work in Milwaukee and what shifted when she stopped trying to go “zero to sixty” and started honoring her season instead. We explore the power of intimate in-person connection, the real fears behind visibility, and how entrepreneurship will always invite you into deeper self-trust (whether you’re ready or not).Inside the episode, we talk about:
Realizing when you're delaying your own momentum and why.
How in-person relationships can shift you & your business.
Letting your offers evolve as you evolve.
Learning to receive… even when it feels wildly uncomfortable
This episode is an invitation to pause and ask yourself:Where am I doing this alone when I don’t have to?
 
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

Over the last few months, I’ve been quietly rebuilding the foundation of my brand and business — not from pressure, but from intention. And today’s episode is a peek behind the curtain of that process with the woman who’s been walking beside me through all of it.
In this conversation, I sit down with Taryn Schroder, branding and web designer behind Madewith Studio and Human Design Reflector, who has been helping me bring my new visual identity to life. 
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a brand that actually feels like you, not the version you think you “should” be, this episode is such a great place to start.
We talk about how we met, how Taryn is supporting me through branding myself & businesses, and the emotional side of letting yourself evolve creatively and professionally. Taryn also shares her own journey from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship, the moment she finally took the leap, and why her Human Design as a Reflector is actually a superpower in her client work.
Inside the episode, we explore:
What it really feels like to invest in branding as a founder
How to choose colors, fonts, and visuals that reflect your values and identity
Why consistency matters more than trendiness for long-term growth
Taryn’s practical tips for anyone preparing to uplevel their brand or website
The power of having a partner who believes in your dreams
This conversation is part storytelling, part permission slip. Whether you’re DIY-ing your visuals, preparing for a brand refresh, or simply in a season of expansion, my hope is that it helps you trust your process and remember that your brand is simply an extension of you.
Let it be simple. Let it be aligned. Let it be good.
Connect with Taryn: Website: themadewithstudio.com Instagram: @themadewithstudio
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

I’m sharing something that completely shifted the way I think about taking care of myself m… the real difference between self-love and self-care.
This realization hit me while I was at the Soul Led Speaker Training with Stephanie Ross, where I got to connect with so many incredible women, and even speak. One of them, Cailee, shared something so simple yet so powerful: Self-care is what we do. Self-love is how we be.
That moment stopped me in my tracks. Because while I’ve always talked about self-care, the workouts, the healthy meals, the routines, I hadn’t realized how much I didn’t realize the difference in this verses being. The part where I simply sit with myself, feel present, and allow myself to rest, reflect, and receive.
In this episode, I unpack what self-love actually looks like, why it’s so different from self-care, and how I’m learning to make space for both. It’s a short reflection, but one that I hope helps you see your own practices in a new light.
In this episode, I talk about: ✨ The key difference between self-love and self-care ✨ Why self-love is about being, not doing ✨ Simple ways to bring more love and presence into your daily routine
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HERE
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

In this solo episode, I’m opening up about something I’ve personally struggled with… saying “I’m sorry” way too often. Whether it’s for a late reply, a missed message, or something as small as forgetting to switch the laundry, I’ve realized how quick I am to apologize… even when it’s not really needed.This topic came up recently in a conversation with one of my clients, and it hit me just how often we all do this. How often we give our power away through unnecessary apologies. Instead of apologizing for every little thing, what if we simply acknowledged what happened and owned it without shame?In this episode, I talk about:
Why we feel the urge to over-apologize and how it affects our confidence
The difference between apologizing and acknowledging
How to hold onto your power in your words and responses
Simple ways to reframe everyday “I’m sorry” moments
I also share a bit about my upcoming Immersion in Boone — something I’m so excited for — and what’s next for Imperfectly Impactful in 2026.
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HERE
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

Two years ago, I hit “publish” on my very first podcast episode—without a plan, just a name that had landed in my heart: Imperfectly Impactful. I had no idea where it would take me… or who I would become in the process.
In this episode, I’m bringing it all back. After seasons of refinement, name changes, and reconnecting with my core message, I’m officially returning to the name that started it all.
✨ Imperfectly Impactful is back.
This is more than a name change—it’s a return to self, a reclamation of what’s always been true for me and my work. I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my evolution, how I’ve embraced brand clarity, why I paused and pivoted, and what’s coming next for the podcast (including upcoming in-person guest episodes!).
In this short, heart-led episode, I share:
Why I originally moved away from Imperfectly Impactful and why it’s time to return
How branding work has brought me deeper into alignment
What you can expect from the podcast moving forward
An invitation to join me in more in-person conversations and collaborative episodes
Whether you’ve been here since the first episode or you’re just discovering this space, I’m so grateful you’re listening. This community is a reflection of what’s possible when we lead from our truth, keep showing up, and allow ourselves to evolve.
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HERE
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.

In this episode, I’m coming to you with a full heart… and to be honest, a very tired body. I’m in what I’ve been calling my “season of intentionality.” Every decision I make right now—whether it’s saying yes to a new client, attending an event, or spending time with friends—has to come from a place of intention and alignment.
I share openly about how I’ve had to step back, say no to opportunities I’d love to say yes to, and focus instead on what’s truly nourishing me right now: my business, my health, my marriage, my spiritual growth, and my upcoming Dopey Challenge training.
This isn’t about burnout—it’s about protecting your peace, knowing your limits, and allowing yourself to rest when your capacity is stretched thin. If you’re in a similar season, I want this episode to be your reminder that it’s okay to slow down, say no, and honor where you are.
We talk about:
Learning to keep your yeses sacred
Navigating seasons of growth and exhaustion
How to listen when your body (and your intuition) ask for rest
The power of delegating and getting support when you need it
So if you’ve been feeling stretched, tired, or pulled in every direction—this one’s for you. You’re not alone. Let’s protect our energy together and keep showing up with intention.
🪷 Reflect with me: What’s one area in your life or business where you could be more intentional right now?
 
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!https://client.catroten.com/public/68893038a4ed48002e35a35e
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HEREhttps://us.shaklee.com/en_US/catroten/storefront
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.http://www.youtube.com/@TheSuccesfulEventsPodcast

Last week I shared about growth and momentum in my business, and this week I’m diving even deeper into a realization that stopped me in my tracks: it can be easy.
After weeks of excitement, overwhelm, and big opportunities, I sat down with my mentors and uncovered a belief I didn’t even know I was carrying… the idea that success has to be hard. Long hours, constant hustle, and nonstop “doing” had become my default. But through powerful conversations and a hypnotherapy session, I discovered that ease is not only possible, it’s essential.
In this episode, I’m sharing: ✨ The mindset shift that helped me release the belief that everything must be hard ✨ How I’m creating mornings and workdays that feel lighter and more aligned ✨ A journaling prompt to help you step into your own state of ease and flow (cape included!)
If you’ve ever felt like building a business, or simply living life, has to come with constant struggle, this episode is your reminder that you can choose another way. Grab your favorite coffee, imagine your own “cape,” and join me as we explore what it really means to let success be easy.
Imagine yourself three months from now, living in a state of ease and flow. ✨ What would your day look like? ✨ Who would be around you? ✨ What small step can you take today to bring that version of you closer?
I’d love to hear your reflections. Send me a DM on Instagram to keep the conversation going!
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!https://client.catroten.com/public/68893038a4ed48002e35a35e
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HEREhttps://us.shaklee.com/en_US/catroten/storefront
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channelhttp://www.youtube.com/@TheSuccesfulEventsPodcast

In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my biggest business growth yet and the surprising shift that made it possible.
After months of social media burnout and endless emails, I decided to stop forcing daily posts and start showing up where I naturally thrive… in person. From coffee chats to local entrepreneur events, I discovered that word-of-mouth marketing isn’t just old-school, it’s incredibly effective.
I’ll walk you through:
How turning away from constant online posting brought me faster, more sustainable growth
The real connections and client wins that came from local networking (including a medical company partnership!)
My favorite mindset shifts and reflection questions to help you find your best growth channel
If you’ve been feeling drained by social media or wondering where your next client is coming from, this episode will give you permission to grow your business in a way that feels exciting… and actually works.
Take a moment to reflect on your own client journey. ✨ Where have most of your opportunities truly come from—social media, email, word-of-mouth, or in-person connections? ✨ What does that reveal about where you might focus more of your energy next?
I’d love to hear your insights! Share your reflection with me on Instagram.
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!https://client.catroten.com/public/68893038a4ed48002e35a35e
Connect on Instagram – @cat.rotenhttps://www.instagram.com/cat.roten/
Learn about Shaklee HEREhttps://us.shaklee.com/en_US/catroten/storefront
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.http://www.youtube.com/@TheSuccesfulEventsPodcast

In this episode of Success Beyond Strategy, I’m sharing my personal journey of reconnecting with creativity and giving myself permission to play. With my coffee in hand on a quiet morning, I talk about how I’ve been leaning into practices that spark joy—like dancing around my house, getting lost in fiction books, and exploring what fun really looks like for me as an adult.
I dive into my experience with The Artist’s Way and the idea of “shadow artists,” those of us who hide our creative side behind productivity and busyness. For years, I tied my worth to getting things done, but now I’m slowly stripping that away and allowing myself to simply create for the love of it. Whether it’s choreography from my color guard days or the thrill of imagining new worlds through books, I’m learning how creativity shows up in everyday life.
My challenge for you is to think back to what lit you up as a kid—maybe it was dance, drawing, writing, or something totally unexpected—and start bringing it back into your life. We all have creativity within us; it’s just about making space to let it out. I can’t wait to hear what sparks come alive for you, so after you listen, come find me on Instagram or drop me a message and share how you’re tapping into your own creativity.
Resources:
Join our Weekly Email Insider!
Connect on Instagram – @cat.roten
Learn about Shaklee HERE
Prefer Video?- Checkout our Youtube channel.