Molly Baker
📍Raleigh, NC | Founder & CEO, Indie Consulting
📝 Editor’s Note | Rob Belk
Recently, I became insufferable.
Many of you are more curious about the choice of ‘recently’ than ‘insufferable’.
My older sister got me a rucking weighted vest for my birthday. For the uninitiated, rucking is a newish trend that allows you to get a better workout walking and theoretically easier on your knees than running.
I’ve worn the vest when I’ve pushed the stroller to preschool drop off and around the neighborhood.
I was feeling really good about myself until, what I assume was a high schooler, drove by, rolled down his window, and yelled “HARDOOOO”.
Without further ado…
Why Molly?
Molly and I got connect via Ellen Shook. Molly has been a career marketer and built an impressive agency. It was fun to trade notes and learn from her as I climb the learning curve as an agency owner.
Follow Molly on IG
Self-Description
Founder, CEO & marketing firm builder who turns brand vision into real results - leading a team of strategists, creatives, & social experts, while still finding time to run marathons, travel with my family, and obsess over the next best coffee.
Molly’s 6 Recommendations
Written in her own words…
1. Black & White Roasters
I am literally obsessed with good coffee - an espresso / cold brew / pour over snob, to the nth degree. Whenever I travel, I am on the quest to find the best in the city or town I am in. I've been known to drag friends and family on multi mile long walks and detours just to seek out an acclaimed cup of coffee. Despite all my searching, Black & White roasters, local to Raleigh, reigns supreme as the best beans in the WORLD. I will stand by this until proven differently.
2. Robe
I've never understood robe enthusiasts... and then I had a baby. This Barefoot Dreams knock-off robe was recommended by a dear friend (who ironically was in the depths of postpartum at the same time as me) and proves as a reminder that yes, you can find great things on Amazon for less than $50.
3. The Bossticks
I love The Bossticks (recently rebranded from the Skinny Confidential). I'm not kidding when I say I've listened to every episode produced since January, 2021. I've thought a lot about why I like this show so much: the mix of 'optimized living' + entrepreneurship + FUN & insightful guest interviews has me hooked. I used to think if I ever was interviewed on the Today Show that would mean that I had 'made it'... now the goal is to be interviewed by The Bossticks.
4. Vistage
I've been a Vistage member for the past 5 years. Having been a member in both Raleigh and NYC groups, I've met amazing CEOs and Founders who have pushed me to constantly refine my leadership, challenge my thinking as Indie has grown, and support me through some of the most challenging moments running the business. Professional development is critical and peer groups are special.
PSA: MORE WOMEN NEED TO JOIN THESE GROUPS. Shoutout to Mark Taylor and Niels Lameijer who have built awesome groups, and would welcome any interested women!!
5. French Riviera
I've had the absolute privilege of traveling to some amazing places in my 34 years. For those who haven't been, the lore is true: there is something magical about the French Riviera. Fly into Nice. Stay at the Les Rouches Rouges for at least 2 nights. Dream about the saltwater pool spilling into the sea for years to come. Continue south and rent an airbnb in Sainte-Maxime. Go for morning runs on the path that runs along the sea. Take the ferry to St. Tropez. Drink an overpriced cappuccino at Cafe de Paris. Have lunch on the beach at Club 55. Book the late dinner seating at Le Opera. Enjoy long lunches with food from the market bought that morning and slow afternoons. It is special.
6. Make time for the things that bring you joy.
I am intense. I have big goals and high expectations, but making time for the things that bring me energy and joy is a priority. I am so lucky in many ways, if I don't stay in the driver's seat and live a life full of experiences that bring growth, perspective and adventure, I'd be doing a disservice to the higher powers that guided me to where I am today. Whenever I find it more challenging to remember this, I come back to morning pages via the Artist's Way. It's a great exercise to reconnect to your purpose, and dare I say it, flow state.
Plug | Indie Consulting & Release Recovery
Indie Consulting! But maybe more interesting (& important), my husband is in recovery / on the board of Release Recovery - an amazing organization supporting those battling addiction and mental health disorders.
Want to get in touch with Molly? email !! molly@indie-consulting.com
P.S. from Rambull — Friend of the program, and member or the 2014 National Champions Soccer team at the University of Virginia, Matthew Mills recommended I check out Upside. (Use his code MATTHEW723479)
I’m a nerd and interested in unique business models and ideas. The app gives you cash back on things like gas, groceries, and dining.
Its pretty easy to use and if you are a “Points” person, you’ll love this:
The app has a map or list of participating gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores nearby.
Tap “Claim” on an offer before you arrive.
Pay as Usual: Pay for your goods using a standard credit or debit card that you have securely linked to your Upside account.
Earn Cash Back: In most cases, the app recognizes your transaction automatically. For some locations, you might need to snap a photo of your receipt or use the app’s “Pay with App” feature.
Cash Out: Track your earnings in your account. Once you hit the minimum, you can transfer the funds directly to your bank account, PayPal, or redeem them for digital gift cards
Pretty cool….
