Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Sophie Zollmann

We recently had the chance to connect with Sophie Zollmann and have shared our conversation below.

Sophie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Many people think we’re an agency, but we are not. We are the next level, the full marketing department. We are here for the $2M-$20M service provider ready to invest in enterprise-level marketing without the enterprise-level price tag and hiring nightmare for building an in-house marketing department. We provide a dedicated team of experts INCLUDING the Director of Marketing, the custom strategy, marketing plan and 90-day content and execution sprints with real KPIs and metrics that matter, the ones that hit the bottom line not the ego.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the founder of FMD Strategic Partners, a digital marketing expert, best-selling author, and speaker with 20 years of industry experience. I am leading the fractional marketing department revolution for 7 and 8-figure independent healthcare, legal, and financial service providers who refuse to compromise their independence for corporate efficiency.

As a pioneer of the fractional marketing department model, I specialize in delivering enterprise-level marketing strategies without the enterprise-level price tag and hiring nightmare of building an in-house department. My approach transforms scattered marketing efforts into cohesive, measurable systems that drive sustainable growth while preserving the autonomy that independent practices value most.

This data-driven methodology combined with innovative strategic positioning has established her as the trusted partner for high-revenue service providers ready to scale smarter, not harder. My fractional marketing department provides comprehensive solutions from strategic planning to full implementation, creating compound marketing effects that position clients as undisputed leaders in their markets.

My mission is to protect the independent, family-owned and employee-owned service providers from corporate and private equity buyouts that destroy their personal, direct and custom way of serving their clients and their communities.

When I’m not revolutionizing how independent practices approach marketing, I love getting lost in Harry Potter adventures, soaking up sun on beautiful beaches, and spoiling my grandson.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Breaking trust through control, gaslighting, narcissistic and other toxic behaviors break bonds between people. Some bonds cannot be restored if trust is not rebuilt, if the trauma of all involved is not healed and if behavior on either side does not change for real and for good. Anything toxic must go no matter how much you may love someone. Toxic behavior is the bond breaker and can take time to fix if people heal what causes their toxic behavior.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of judgement. I grew up with a very judgmental father who had very specific views on women and success. Fear of being judged by others held me back from really showing up as who I am online, in photos, in speaking, etc. I have done a lot of work to overcome that and be true to myself so I can show up as me, authentically, genuinely and unapologetically.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I stopped being something I’m not years ago. I really believe in showing up as myself, no matter what that is on any given day. Some days I take time to put on nice clothes, fix my hair and put on makeup to show up because I feel good and want to show up that way. And other days, I’ll show up without makeup, hair brushed and whatever clothes I feel like wearing. I also keep my background open on Zoom calls so my Harry Potter office shines through on every call I do. It is a part of who I am and I will not hide it for business meetings.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I am most at peace when I am doing what I WANT to do whether that is work on my business, take a nap, go to the beach, play poker, hang out with my grandson or just be alone without anyone or anything around me. The beach is my favorite place for total Zen but I can achieve it any time anywhere if I’m truly spending that moment in time how I want to spend it.

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