The Luxe and The Short of It

This is a a recast from 2/2/25. We will be back next week with a regular episode.
Madeleine reflects on the practices and tools that have shaped her journey from a stressed-out nine-to-fiver to a thriving entrepreneur with time and financial freedom.
Drawing from personal experiences, she shares the value of intentional goal-setting, effective habit formation, and practical strategies to maintain focus and balance in the midst of a busy life. From planning quarterly goals with the Epic Life Planner to incorporating small but meaningful habit stacks inspired by Atomic Habits, Madeleine explains how these methods create lasting change without overwhelming your day-to-day routine.
You'll discover the importance of creating space for reflection and recalibration. By sharing her own experiences with yearly planning alongside her husband, Madeleine emphasizes how aligning personal and professional goals has helped set the trajectory for their life and business. She introduces the concept of the "sacred pause," a deliberate practice of stepping back to assess priorities, avoid burnout, and reconnect with purpose.
Whether it’s rethinking how you set goals, simplifying your daily habits, or carving out time for self-reflection, this episode serves as a reminder that the life you envision starts with the choices you make today.
If you've enjoyed this episode of the The Luxe and the Short Of It podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
How tools like the Epic Life Planner and quarterly goal-setting can help you focus on specific areas of your life while embracing the idea that you can’t do everything all at once.
How small, actionable changes—like pairing new habits with existing ones—can simplify routines and make it easier to achieve your goals consistently.
Why stepping back to reflect on your priorities and align them with your larger purpose is essential for avoiding burnout and driving personal and professional growth.
Why breaking down ambitious goals into smaller, manageable steps leads to long-term success, with examples of practical tips for building momentum.
And much more...

Resources:
🔗 Work With Madeleine's Team - https://strsuccess.typeform.com/podcast
💼 Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/madeleine-raiford-holland/
🎙️ Join Madeleine's Podcast Insider: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/podcast-insider
📸 Follow Madeleine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland/
🌐 Explore Madeleine’s Work & Coaching Programs: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
💡 Turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy that could change your life.
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Luxe & the Short of It podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

It’s a double celebration! In this episode, Madeleine rings in her 35th birthday while also celebrating the one-year anniversary of The Luxe and the Short of It.
Reflecting on the contrast between her 30th birthday and where she stands today, Madeleine shares the wisdom gained from a year of "evolving in public." From breaking into the Top 75 Business Podcasts to the quiet grit of consistency, this episode is a heart-to-heart on what it truly means to build a life and business of freedom.
Inside the Episode
The Power of One Year: A look back at the milestones, the guest experts like Amy Pierce and Brianna Michelle, and the lessons learned from showing up consistently.
The Birthday Contrast: Why 35 feels lighter than 30, and the shift from "surviving" to "actively creating" a life you love.
Evolving in Public: Navigating the "not-so-fun" moments of failing out loud and why the internet rewards honesty over polish.

35 Things I Know for Sure
Madeleine counts down 35 life and business lessons that have shaped her journey. Here are a few highlights:
On Presence: You do not need to be louder to be heard; calm confidence is magnetic.
On Growth: You are allowed to evolve in public without having it all figured out.
On Consistency: Showing up when no one is watching builds more trust than being perfect.
On Boundaries: You can love your business without centering your whole life around it.
On Joy: Joy is allowed now, not just later when you hit a certain milestone.

Are you ready to start your own year of evolution? If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the follow button or the (+) sign on your app so you never miss a weekly drop.
Resources:
🔗 Work With Madeleine's Team - https://strsuccess.typeform.com/podcast
💼 Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/madeleine-raiford-holland/
🎙️ Join Madeleine's Podcast Insider: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/podcast-insider
📸 Follow Madeleine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland/
🌐 Explore Madeleine’s Work & Coaching Programs: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
💡 Turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy that could change your life.
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Luxe & the Short of It podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

In this episode, Madeleine breaks down her actual morning schedule as a seven-figure business owner, mother of two, and military wife. She pulls back the curtain on why she ignores some common "expert" advice—like staying off your phone—and how she uses "habit stacking" to ensure her team is supported while she prioritizes her own mental and physical health.
Key Takeaways
Reject the "All or Nothing" Mentality: You don't need a two-hour meditation session to be successful. Three minutes of reading or one minute of gratitude is better than zero.
The "Zero Bottleneck" Strategy: Madeleine spends 12 minutes on her phone early in the morning specifically to clear hurdles for her team so they aren't waiting on her to start their day.
Hydrate Before You Caffeinate: One of Madeleine's non-negotiables is 16oz of electrolyte water before the first cup of coffee.

What does your morning look like? Reach out to Madeleine on Instagram or leave a comment in the show notes to share your routine!
Resources:
Project Management: Monday.com
Communication: Slack
Wellness: Electrolytes and Pilates
🔗 Work With Madeleine's Team - https://strsuccess.typeform.com/podcast
💼 Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/madeleine-raiford-holland/
🎙️ Join Madeleine's Podcast Insider: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/podcast-insider
📸 Follow Madeleine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland/
🌐 Explore Madeleine’s Work & Coaching Programs: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
💡 Turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy that could change your life.
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Luxe & the Short of It podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

In this episode, Madeleine dives deep into the "invisible cost" of the short-term rental (STR) industry: burnout. While many people enter the space for financial freedom, they often neglect the systems required for time freedom. Madeleine explores why hobby hosting is no longer viable in 2026 and introduces her "Freedom First Framework"—a strategic roadmap designed to help you build a business that supports your life rather than one you need to escape from.
Key Takeaways
The Emotional Failure: Most STR businesses don’t fail because of the numbers; they fail because the owner burns out from being "on" 24/7, dealing with decision fatigue and reactive problem-solving.
Professionalization is Mandatory: The "Airbnb Bust" is really just the industry professionalizing. Hobby hosts who refuse to treat their rentals as a real business with systems will struggle to survive.
Automate Before You Scale: The biggest mistake hosts make is trying to "retrofit" systems after they already have multiple properties. The complexity of guest messaging and logistics snowballs—build the foundation with property one.
The Marble Analogy: Prioritize your "big things" (family, health, relationships) first. If you fill your life with the "sand" of business busy-work first, there will be no room for what matters most.

The Freedom First Framework
Design Before You Scale: Know exactly what you want out of life and business. Focus on quality over quantity to command premium prices.
Automate Before Adding Doors: Use Property Management Software (PMS) from day one. Build the framework first, then "plug and play" new properties into it.
Build a Team Sooner Than Feels Comfortable: Hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) around the 4–5 property mark to handle guest messaging and coordination.
Standardize Everything: Aim for operational efficiency. Use the same linens, towels, and even the same TV brands (e.g., Samsung) across all properties to simplify troubleshooting.
Let Go of Control Without Losing Quality: Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for everything you do more than twice. Get the information out of your brain and into a shared system (like monday.com).

Resources:
Costa Rica Retreat: (March 3rd–8th, 2026) A pause for conscious operators to evaluate their work-life integration. https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/accelerate-your-str-retreat
Monday - https://try.monday.com/madeleine
🔗 Work With Madeleine's Team - https://strsuccess.typeform.com/podcast
💼 Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/madeleine-raiford-holland/
🎙️ Join Madeleine's Podcast Insider: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/podcast-insider
📸 Follow Madeleine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland/
🌐 Explore Madeleine’s Work & Coaching Programs: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
💡 Turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy that could change your life.
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Luxe & the Short of It podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no...

Welcome to 2026! To start the New Year, Madeleine tackles the controversial "Airbnb Bust" narrative head-on. While headlines and major real estate influencers claim the market is oversaturated, Madeleine argues that the industry isn't dying—it’s professionalizing.
The era of "hobby hosting" and "half-assing it" is over. The hosts who are being squeezed out are those who failed to treat their properties like a business. For the serious investor, Madeleine explains why there has never been a better time to enter the space, provided you have the right systems, brand standards, and data-driven mindset.
Key Takeaways
The "Bust" is a Filter: The market isn't crashing; it's shedding low-quality hosts who entered during the "cheap money" era of COVID.
Brand > Listing: Successful hosts in 2026 focus on building a recognizable brand (like Westin or Four Seasons) rather than just individual listings.
The Power of Direct Booking: Owning your book of business and direct booking websites is essential for long-term stability.
Data is Information, Not Emotion: To survive saturation, you must be "emotionally regulated" and pivot based on what your numbers are telling you.
The Four Pillars of a Winning Deal: Every investment should win on Equity, Cash Flow, Appreciation, and Tax Depreciation.

Resources:
🔗 Work With Madeleine's Team - https://strsuccess.typeform.com/podcast
💼 Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/madeleine-raiford-holland/
🎙️ Join Madeleine's Podcast Insider: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/podcast-insider
📸 Follow Madeleine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland/
🌐 Explore Madeleine’s Work & Coaching Programs: https://www.madeleineraifordholland.com/
💡 Turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy that could change your life.
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Luxe & the Short of It podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.