What if you could build a thriving, profitable business and raise a family without investors, a fancy business plan, or endless hustle?
In this episode of The Branded Impact Podcast, host Jo Espejo sits down with Lisa Klapschinski, Founder & CEO of LMK Recruiting Solutions, to talk about creating a business that supports the life you want to live. Lisa started LMK while six months pregnant, with no website, no email, and no outside funding. All she had was fifteen minutes a day and a clear vision for her future.
Inside this episode, you’ll hear how she:
- Went from solo recruiter to CEO with a growing team
- Built a subscription-based recruiting model by learning and adapting quickly
- Embraced her personal brand to build trust and authenticity
- Set boundaries that allowed her to thrive in business and motherhood
If you’re an entrepreneur craving more alignment between your business, brand, and life, this episode will give you permission to slow down, focus, and grow on your terms.
🎧 Listen to the episode:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- YouTube
Here’s the link: https://brandingbyjo.com/thebrandedimpactpodcast
Key Takeaways
- You can build a life-first business by starting small and staying consistent.
- Your personal brand is your biggest differentiator. People connect with people, not logos.
- Failing fast lets you test ideas and move forward with clarity.
- Saying no to misaligned clients creates space for better opportunities.
- Boundaries protect your energy and keep your business aligned with your lifestyle.
Episode Highlights + Guest Insights
Starting with 15 Minutes a Day
“I dedicated 15 minutes a day to figuring it out.”
Lisa didn’t wait for the perfect plan. She started small, dedicating just fifteen minutes each day to learning, building, and taking action. Those small steps added up to a successful recruiting firm that serves manufacturing, logistics, and tech companies nationwide.
“I didn’t have a website or even an email. I just started.”
From Solopreneur to CEO
As her business grew, Lisa had to redefine her role. Instead of handling everything herself, she built a team and positioned LMK as a full-service recruiting firm. This shift allowed her to step into her role as CEO and lead with confidence.
“If I could do it again, I would’ve branded myself as a business from day one.”
Authenticity as a Brand Strategy
For a long time, Lisa tried to keep her personal life separate from her business—until one day her baby cried during a client call. That moment of realness built connection, not distance. It reminded her that authenticity isn’t unprofessional; it’s magnetic.
“No one else can be me, and no one else can be you. That’s your differentiator.”
“Fail as Fast as You Can”
Lisa’s approach to innovation is simple: test fast, learn faster. During a client meeting, she improvised a new offer—a subscription-based recruiting model—and it became her firm’s signature service.
“I’d rather try, learn, adjust, and move forward than spend weeks overthinking.”
Boundaries, Gut Checks, and Saying No
Lisa now trusts her intuition as part of her business strategy. If a project doesn’t feel aligned from the start, she walks away. This mindset shift has helped her protect her time, her team, and her energy.
“If it doesn’t feel good at the beginning, it won’t feel good later.”
Guest Resources & Links
Guest: Lisa Klapschinski, Founder & CEO of LMK Recruiting Solutions
🌐 www.lmkrecruiting.com
💼 Lisa on LinkedIn
📧 lisa@lmkrecruiting.com
Listener Offer:
Mention The Branded Impact Podcast when you reach out to Lisa and she’ll gift you a free 15-minute meet and greet to talk about your hiring goals or business growth.
Jocelyn “Jo” Espejo is the founder and CEO of Branding by Jo, a boutique brand and operations studio helping women entrepreneurs build brands that reflect their next level. With a signature blend of creative strategy and hands-on implementation, Jo partners with coaches, consultants, service providers, and founders who are already successful but ready for a brand and business that match their impact.
Through brand photography, videography, messaging, content strategy, and fractional COO support, she helps her clients create brands that don’t just look good — they connect, convert, and scale.
Jo is known for making branding feel personal, strategic, and doable. Her philosophy is simple: a powerful brand isn’t just seen, it’s amplified.
When she’s not behind the camera, in a client strategy session, or leading a rebrand, Jo is in Central Florida with her husband and their two children. She’s the queen of carline calls, cheering from the sidelines, and building a business without sacrificing family. Her mission? To help more women do the same, with brands that maximize their impact!
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