We’re excited to share that Digital Sportsman was recently featured on The Woman Angler & Adventurer Podcast in the episode “Taking the First Real Steps to Become an Outdoor Guide.” Our CMO, Michelle Faul, joined host Angie Scott for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to build a successful, sustainable guide or charter business in today’s outdoor industry.
A Spotlight on Women Leading the Way
The episode highlights the growing momentum of women stepping into guiding and outfitting with intention, confidence,
and community support. Michelle captured this movement perfectly when she shared, “These women are creating careers or livelihoods or ways to support themselves by doing something that they love.”
With stronger networks and the reach of social platforms, women are connecting across regions, building credibility, and shaping a more welcoming outdoor experience than ever before.
What the Episode Covers
This conversation is packed with insights for both new and established operators. Angie and Michelle break down the difference between a casual side hustle and a professional operation built for longevity, one that protects your time, pays you properly, and keeps clients coming back.
Key topics include:
- The first real steps to move from “someday” to getting started
- Why defining your own vision early prevents wasted time
- How mentorship and community accelerate growth
- The continued power of word‑of‑mouth in the outdoor industry
Why Systems Matter
A major theme of the episode is the operational side of guiding, where many businesses struggle. From bookings and
payments to waivers and follow‑ups, operators often rely on multiple disconnected tools. Over time, that fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.
The episode underscores a simple truth: better systems create better businesses. Centralized tools, clear workflows, and accessible data help operators scale more efficiently and sustainably.
From Guide to Business Owner
For women already running trips and ready for the next level, the episode explores what it looks like to shift from simply
guiding to leading a true operation. That shift includes:
- Thinking like a business owner
- Protecting your time with clear processes
- Prioritizing the customer experience at every step
One standout reminder: build your business around how your customers want to book, not just how you prefer to operate.
Listen to the Full Episode
You can hear the full conversation with Michelle on Spotify.
Thank You to The Woman Angler & Adventurer Podcast
Thank you to Angie Scott with The Woman Angler & Adventurer for featuring Digital Sportsman and helping shine a light
on the women shaping the future of the outdoor industry. We’re proud to be part of the conversation and even more excited for what’s ahead