NOT An Inspirational Business Podcast

Lɪғᴇ Exᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ, Rᴇsɪʟɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ Rᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜᴘs Brook McCarthy, is a business coach with 15 years of experience in business. She works specifically with values-based business owners, and in this episode, she shares her insights on marketing, business, and social media. We also discuss: ➾ How life experiences can shape your business skills ➾ How to build resilience as a business owner ➾ The importance of building relationships ➾ How to find joy in your work “The theory behind marketing could be summed up on the back of a postcard: People buy from people they know, like, and trust. If you don't stand out, then you will just blend in, and people will choose based on price and convenience. Therefore, you need to stand out; you need to do something worth talking about, say something worth listening to; lead with your values; lead with your story; be memorable." Connect with Brook WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInThe Year I Lost My Business Mojo - Brook McCarthy

Online Presences, Authenticity and Astrology My guest today is the founder of Happy Little Socials. Tameka specialises in amplifying businesses’ online presence through social media management, magnetising copywriting, and mentorship. She is an astrology guru in training, a loving mum, and all-round kickass woman. We discuss: Tameka's journey from working in the corporate world to starting her own business, Happy Little Socials, and how she turned her corporate skills into a successful venture.The importance of charging your worth as a business owner and not saying "yes" to every client, Tips on how to stay on top of your social media presence across platforms.How Tameka incorporates astrology into her business mentorship and how she helps business owners find out where their genius lies. “Do it. There’s nothing special about the person you see on Instagram making bank. They’re just someone who did the damn thing.” - Tameka Connect with Tameka Instagram Website

Vᴀʟᴜᴇ, Wᴇʙsɪᴛᴇs & Wᴏᴍᴇɴ Sᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ Wᴏᴍᴇɴ Jordanne is a web designer that creates conversion-focused websites + templates for service providers and entrepreneurs. With a focus on working with and empowering women, Jordanne also makes a micro-seed donation for every template sold to support women in Uganda. We spoke about: → Jordanne’s journey to becoming a web designer,→ Juggling mum life and building a business,→ The importance of having a website, and how her marketing background supports her own business and also the businesses of her clients,→ The importance of getting clear on who you are, and→ How our value lies in our past experiences, knowledge, and skills “A lot of people are underutilizing their websites. If you’re spending all your time on Instagram, or you’re working on your email list, or you’re on Pinterest, all roads should lead back to your website, and you should feel confident that your website is going to do the selling for you. You should also be using it to make your business run smoother. Have the ability to book calls with you, have all the information on your FAQs. It can be used in so many ways to save you time.” - Jordanne Connect with Jordanne Website Instagram

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Marie is a Kind Warrior, Life Coach & Founder of Them, You & Me Digital, a marketing agency that speaks friendly digital.  We spoke about: → What exactly is friendly-digital... → How she started her entrepreneurial journey in 2011 when she left France to move to Asia. → The hurdles of moving countries, growing a team and setting boundaries. Marie also touched on how she doesn't take things too seriously, what it means to be a Kind Warrior and how she weaves that into her coaching services. Marie has an infectious personality that radiates kindness; being in her presence genuinely feels like a big warm hug, and I hope you get to feel some of her essence while you listen to this episode.  Connect with Maria WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn

𝚃𝚊𝚡𝚎𝚜, 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 & 𝙴𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 Jami is a Canadian-based CPA who specialises in teaching small business owners how to manage their finances using QuickBooks. We spoke about: The many misconceptions about accountants,How small business owners should handle bookkeeping,Challenges Jami faced in her first year of business and the biggest lesson she learnt. Resources mentioned QuickbooksChillbooks™️ Course (Formerly Bookkeeping Bootcamp)What the HST am I doing? (Free Canadian Sales Tax guide) Connect with Jami Monte WebsiteJami Monte InstagramJami Monte Facebook

Pʀᴏ-Aɢɪɴɢ, Pʀɪɴᴛ Mᴇᴅɪᴀ & Rᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ Sandy is a pro-aging advocate and founder of WB40, a platform that supports women in their forties and beyond. After growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of representation of women beyond the age of forty in mainstream media, Sandy started writing a blog in 2013, which became a podcast in 2019 and in 2020, she launched the WB40 website and printed the first edition of her magazine.  We talk about: → Sandy’s journey and how she got to where she is today → Challenges that come with publishing a print magazine → Roadblocks Sandy overcame to prove that women beyond 40 deserve a voice → The one piece of advice Sandy has for every woman in business Resources Mentioned Adobe InDesign Connect with Sandy Lowres WB40The Good Girl Confessional podcastAlex the Seal podcast

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀 & 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘀 Natalie is the co-founder of The Daily Routine. A sustainable personal care brand that is on a mission to reduce and eliminate single-use plastic in our homes. We spoke about her background in paid digital marketing and how she was searching for more meaning in her career and life, her passion for sustainability and contributing to a better world. She shared some insights into making mistakes, the power of learning from them, and how important it is to ask for help. Natalie also touched on some of the hurdles that are specific to launching a product-based business. Connect with Natalie Herscu The Daily Routine websiteThe Daily Routine InstagramThe Daily Routine TikTokThe Daily Routine Facebook

Pᴇʀᴍɪssɪᴏɴ, Mᴀɢɪᴄ & Aʟɪɢɴᴍᴇɴᴛ I'm going to use Rebeccas on words here... She is a Human Design magician in service to Permission, Magic and Highest Alignment. Its not all sparkle farts and unicorns, but it's a hell of a lot of fun. We spoke about the magic she creates with her clients, her background in a six-figure government job, small-town life and becoming a single mum. Rebecca shared a lot about the journey she's been on to get to where she is today and how she has evolved and grown every step of the way. Magic is truly the only way I describe Rebecca and I hope you can feel even a touch of her energy while listening to this episode. If you're interested in learning more about Human Design, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Rebecca's work! Links @rebeccakatefreeman FB & IGwww.rebeccaktefreeman.com

Pilates, Planning & Purpose This weeks episode is with the lovely, Chloe de Winter, the founder of GoChlo Pilates. Chloe is a physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and the founder of an online Pilates platform called GoChlo Pilates. We spoke about how she shifted from sharing videos on YouTube to creating an entire, purpose-built platform to share her content on. The craziness of COVID hitting while on holiday, being locked out of America and leaving behind a life she and her partner were creating there. She also touched on some of the business hurdles she's overcome, the importance of community and picking yourself up when things don't go to plan. Connect with Chloe: www.gochlopilates.comInstagram: @gochlo_pilatesYouTube: Go Chlo Pilates

Debt, Exits Strategies and Freedom Dan Harrison is a former CFP turned course creator and business mentor. He works specifically in the marketing realm. Dan has an amazing story, going from being half a million dollars in debt at the age of 20 to building a successful business and helping other entrepreneurs succeed like him. We talk about: What it was like for Dan to be 20 years old and in half a million dollars worth of debtHow to explain what you do to potential clientsThe importance of exit strategiesHow to get the most out of your business today to set yourself up for the future Connect with Dan Harrison Private Practice Rebels Facebook groupDan Harrison InstagramDan Harrison LinkedInSoulful Sales website -- Key Highlights 02:02 About Dan Harrison 05:02 The realisation that forced Dan to leave the finance corporate world for entrepreneurship 07:34 Dan talks about being 20 with half a million dollars in debt Avoidance, drugs, partying - The psychological impact of the debt [09:18] 12:06 Stuck in debt? Here’s what worked for Dan 15:08 The importance of marketing – “I’ve got all the certifications. Why don’t I have clients?” Don’t give your title. Instead, explain what problem you solve [16:43] 18:49 Dan on exit strategy – What to do to be able to sell your business Build with the idea of profit in mind 24:08 How to structure a business to give you freedom 28:07 Avoid making solutions that no one wants 30:17 Dan talks about the online coaching space 33:43 Struggling with picking a niche? Focus on the problem you want to solve instead 37: 40 Rapid-Fire Questions

"Numbers, New Starts and Resilience" Sharon is the founder of MicroChilli, a remote full-service bookkeeping agency that empowers new start entrepreneurs and micro businesses to take ownership of their numbers. We dove into Sharon's story, which includes being a single mum at 20, finding her path, immigrating to Australia, two failed business ventures, over 20 years in corporate and finally, creating the business of her dreams. We spoke about how self-doubt will hold you back and the importance of finding a support team and staying in your own lane. The time flew by while we recorded this episode, and I feel like we could have kept talking for hours.   Connect with Sharon Crombie MicroChilli websiteMicroChilli InstagramMicroChilli Facebook -- Key Highlights 01:32 About Sharon Crombie 03:23 From creative to accountant? Sharon’s journey before she started MicroChilli 06:56 Sharon talks about the struggle of leaving a stable corporate job for entrepreneurship 11:42 Same service, different style: The benefit of being yourself 14:15  Sharon on juggling full-time work, a side hustle, and her personal life 17:07 How Sharon found people to support her entrepreneurial journey 21:50 Key lessons Sharon has learnt “Get people in who can help you, who are experts at what they do.”“Don’t take on other people’s opinions on what you should be doing.”“Do not compare yourself to someone else’s journey. Stick to your own lane and just worry about what you’re doing.” 24:14 How to know what type of client you should work with 27:04 You don’t have to go 100% into entrepreneurship right off the bat. It’s okay to retain full-time work for some financial security. 29:30 Rapid Fire Questions 38:57  What is one piece of advice that you’d give to someone listening right now who’s thinking of starting a business or at the beginning of their business journey? “If you really want to do it, do it. When you take action to start, the rest just fits into place.”

"Fathers, Finances & Listening" Dylan is a finance broker that took a chance and started a local small grocers with his dad.  We spoke about the challenges of starting a brick-and-mortar grocer business without any experience, the benefits of having your dad as your business partner and the importance of supporting and connecting with locals. Dylan also touched on how they had to pivot and innovate during covid, some of the key lessons they've learnt and what's next. This is my first episode with a guest who runs a brick-and-mortar business, and it's so interesting to learn about the different kinds of challenges experienced by people catering to in-person customers. You can find The Farm at Nobbys on Instagram @thefarmatnobbys or on the Gold Coast at Shop 6 2221, Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach, QLD, 4218. As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Creativity, Practice & Worthiness" This week my guest is Leslie Carvitto, who is a self-taught photographer who helps female business owners and conscious creatives share their stories, services and products through vibrant and authentic imagery while encouraging and empowering them to pursue the path that lights up their souls. We spoke about the limiting beliefs and stories that play out when you're starting a business, growing and refining your skills, and being empowered by your pricing. Leslie also shared what it was like to pack up her life, relocate halfway around the world and start her business from scratch again and what it's like being a new mum. This episode is full of little nuggets of gold that hope resonates for you. Leslie is currently on maternity leave, but I am 100% booking a session with her when she's back behind her camera! You can find Leslie via Instagram @lesliecarvitto.photography or her website https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/ As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Intentions, Intuition & Energetics" Lisa is a soul coach and alchemist who leads people on journeys of discovery and healing.  We spoke about listening to and trusting your intuition, honouring your business journey and falling in love with your own story. She touched on why she does what she does, how she balances business, family and life and how her business has changed and evolved over time.  Lisa has this natural gift of holding safe and sacred spaces for people and this snippet is the perfect insight into Lisa's energy and her 'isms'. I hope you can feel a little bit of her magic in this episode. You can connect with Lisa on social media @i.am.lisa.lopes As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram, I would love to know what you thought of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/siafecreative/

"Illness, Relearning & Creativity" Katherine is a transformational coach that works with women to find their natural gifts and transition to a path that lights them up. With an extensive career background in corporate HR, Katherine took the leap to explore what else was out there when her life was affected by illness.  We spoke about trusting ourselves, taking chances and overcoming the barriers we create for ourselves. We dove into the journey of learning how to navigate social media and how to use it as a tool to grow your business. As well as finding the point where your business and personal life merge and honouring that space of creativity. You can connect with Katherine on social media @katherine.hession. As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram, I would love to know what you thought of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/siafecreative/

"Representation, Impact & Grief" Social enterprise that supports small scale food makers to thrive. They provide support, market access and visibility to small scale food makers. They work with underrepresented minorities, primarily people from refugee, migrant and first nations backgrounds. We spoke about her background in community development, how important representation is in all industries, the impact businesses like hers have on communities and the essence of food. We also touched on navigating grief while running a business, COVID forced business pivots and that sometimes you need to take a step back to regroup and refocus. As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Taking Chances, Stress & Safety "  Confidence coach and visibility consultant Melodie Dewsbury reinvented herself, leaving a full-time stable career as a teacher to build her online business. She joins me in this episode for a real talk about: The reality of being a teacher, and why she left a stable teaching career to become a business ownerThe struggles she’s faced running her businessGetting a 9-to-5 to support her while she grows her businessThe importance of having a support systemWhy you should get a coach or mentor, and what you should do if you can’t afford one Key Highlights 00:47 About Melodie Dewsbury02:10 Dog moms Melodie and Sian talk about Oakley the Pomchi and Rufus the Boxer03:23 Melodie opens up about her divorce and reveals why she left teaching to become an entrepreneur04:45 What the transition from teacher to entrepreneur was like for Melodie06:44  The rough reality of teaching nowadays07:47 What is a confidence coach and visibility consultant?09:37 How Melodie handled her confidence and visibility when she left teaching12:04 Melodie’s support system wasn’t whom she expected it would be17:23 What really surprised Melodie about starting and running a business20:31 It’s okay to take a part-time or full-time job while building your business26:32 Dealing with moments of drought and handling rejection as an entrepreneur Rapid-Fire Questions 29:54 What’s a fundamental value that you’ve woven throughout everything that you do, and why is it important to you?30:54 What is your secret sauce?33:09 What’s your go-to remedy when you’re having an off day?35:19 What is the big dream?36:30  What is a resource/tool/system that you use in your business that you couldn’t live without?37:51 What is something that has happened recently in your business that you’re proud of?38:53  What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about starting a business or at the beginning of their business journey?43:01 Final word for listeners? Resources mentioned Join The Private Club Connect with Melodie Dewsbury Melodie Dewsbury websiteMelodie Dewsbury InstagramPrince Oakley the Pomchi’s Instagram As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Priorities, Lessons & Letting Go"  As a business owner, your business relies on your health and wellbeing. Intuitive Eating coach Ines Schubi helps self-employed women prioritise their health and stop stressing about food so they can focus on growing their businesses. Ines joins me in this episode to talk about: How to nourish yourself without relying on fad dietsLeaving her corporate marketing job to build her businessHer hardest business moment and juggling several jobs to make ends meetHer proudest business moment so farGetting your priorities straight as a business owner Key Highlights 00:45 About Ines Schubi02:15 Ines on trying out different things before discovering her passion and niche06:04 Mistakes and sacrifices Ines made at the beginning of her business journey10:30 Starting a business in an area where you lack expertise11:47 Ines talks about life in Australia and how she deals with being away from her family in France14:09 The importance of a support system to a business owner15:33 What is intuitive eating?19:22 Ines on the benefit of being your own person outside your business25:33 The benefit of experimenting in your business28:18 How to handle rejection in your business Rapid-Fire Questions 35:30 What’s a fundamental value that you’ve woven throughout everything that you do, and why is it important to you?36:54 What’s your go-to remedy when you’re having an off day?37:31 What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far in your business?37:51 What is the big dream?38:19  What is a resource/tool/system that you use in your business that you couldn’t live without?39:00 Was there ever a time that you wanted to walk away, and what pulled you back from doing that?39:32 What is something that has happened recently in your business that you’re proud of?40:16 What is a hot tip about your industry that people might not know?41:25 What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about starting a business or at the beginning of their business journey?43:45 Final word for listeners? Resources mentioned Free course on tools to overcome strong cravingsJoin the Nourishing Circle Connect with Ines Schubi Ines Schubi InstagramInes Schubi website As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Marketing, Mindset & Growth"  Are you working in your business or on your business? One of these guarantees you will be unable to grow and scale your business. Luke Houlihan is cofounder of award-winning, multimedia agency, Bleo Media. Luke joins me in this episode to talk about: What it takes to grow and scale your businessThe craziness that is online marketing nowadaysHow Luke and his co-founder balance each other outThe sacrifices and struggles it’s taken to build Bleo Media into what it is today Key Highlights 01:23 About Luke Houlihan03:12 Why Luke and Blake started Bleo Media07:08 How Luke and his team thrive in the ever-changing digital marketing space13:58 Luke on what it takes to grow and scale your business20:06 How Luke and his cofounder balance each other out in business Rapid-Fire Questions 24:11 What is a fundamental value that you’ve woven throughout everything that you do, and why is it important to you?27:30 Was there ever a time that you were ready to throw in the towel, and how did you pull yourself back from there?30:14 What’s your go-to remedy when you’re having an off day?32:45 What is the big dream for Bleo?34:30 What is something that has happened recently in your business that you’re proud of?36:54  What is a resource/tool/system that you use in your business that you couldn’t live without?39:02 What is a hot tip about your industry that people might not know?40:45 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about starting a business or at the beginning of their business journey?44:26 Final word for listeners? Connect with Luke Houlihan Bleo Media websiteBleo Media Instagram As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!

"Social Media, Sisters & Mental Health"  Mental health affects a child’s performance in school and in life. And yet, there’s very little focus on the mental wellbeing of children. This realisation pushed Kritz Sciessere and her sister to leave teaching and build The Big Sister Experience, a social enterprise that works with schools and communities to provide mental health education and support to children from year 5 all the way to year 12. Kritz joins me in this episode, and we discuss: What The Big Sister Experience does for young peopleWhat it's like starting and running a business with a family memberNavigating the turbulence of being a business owner during a global pandemic Key Highlights 00:43 About Kritz Sciessere04:02 How social media affects children from the perspective of a teacher05:59 How The Big Sister Experience was born09:31 Kritz reveals what parents can do to truly connect with their children and encourage open communication11:15 Kritz talks about running a business with her sister and reveals why they’ve been successful together15:22 Struggles that Kritz and her sister have had to overcome while running The Big Sister Experience19:02 Kritz on navigating the global pandemic as a business owner22:10 The pandemic magnified mental health issues and made mental wellbeing a priority for schools and organisations.25:46 Two big insights Kritz got after starting The Big Sister Experience Rapid-Fire Questions 28:24  What is a fundamental value that you’ve woven throughout everything that you do, and why is it important to you?29:00 What is your go-to remedy when you’re having an off day?29:19 What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far in your business?30:07 What is the big dream?31:07 What is a resource/tool/system that you use in your business that you couldn’t live without?32:30 What is something that has happened recently in your business that you’re proud of?33:19 What is a hot tip about your industry that people might not know?34:35 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about starting a business or at the beginning of their business journey?35:50 If you were to give one piece of advice to young people around mental health, what would it be?36:20 Final word for listeners Connect with Kritz Sciessere The Big Sister Experience websiteThe Big Sister Experience Instagram Resources mentioned Project Me | 4-week mental health and wellbeing program for teen girlsBeyond BlueHeadspaceLifelineXero As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @siafecreative; I would love to know what you thought of this episode!