Business Blasphemy: Success, Ambition & Other Things Women Question After 40

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We all know that course completion rates in the online space are abysmal. So how do we create impactful and memorable online programs?

Get ready to dive deep into the world of online education with Rachel Aiken of The Program Academy. We're having an unfiltered look at what it takes to truly elevate your online courses so people actually want to finish them! 

Rachel's sharing nuggets from her rich UK education background, and she's here to spill the beans on dodging the typical online course traps and setting your learning experience up for success.

Ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of endless online content? Yeah, we've been there too. That's why Rachel's insights are like a lifeline. Learn to craft learning programs that aren’t just packed with info but are genuinely transformative. We're talking rock-solid program structures, the real reasons behind each lesson, and waving goodbye to those sneaky, overhyped marketing gimmicks. This episode isn’t just talk; it’s the beacon you need in the cluttered world of online courses and coaching programs.

And for our fellow entrepreneurs, the conversation takes a personal turn as we share our journeys from the traditional 9-5, what it means to give up your career (especially as a mom) and why this productivity hack can help reduce the guilt we feel for wanting to prioritize our businesses.

Guest Bio:
Rachel Aiken is the founder of The Program Academy, a business education and consulting company that works with ambitious female service providers to build scalable, sustainable businesses forged in their zone of genius. 

She has worked with some of the most successful female entrepreneurs around the world shaping their business in alignment with their expertise. 

As a speaker, she has shared her story of finding purpose, alongside in depth conversations on high quality programs with small private audiences and podcasts with audiences of hundreds. 

Utilising her 15 years of experience in the UK Education sector, she wants to transform online education so that it is client results-driven alongside being revenue focused. She is on a mission to improve the quality and accessibility of online programs and courses, because she knows from personal experience that quality education can change lives and that education is a key driver for women's equality. 

Her programs are formulated from real online experience alongside established educational practices. 

Outside of her business, Rachel is a Mum of two young children and currently lives in Stamford, UK. 

Connect with Rachel online at www.theprogramacademy.com or on Instagram at @theprogramacademy

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Am I the asshole?

This week I share the outcome of so many conversations about how exhausted people are by the online business space -- a pondering that maybe it's time to shift our focus.

The unethical tactics and shitty behaviours many business owners buy into isn't going to change any time soon (because these behaviours are entrenched in the very space they thrive in).

So maybe it's time to address the actual problem: YOU.

Join me for a quick insight into what I think we get to start focusing on in 2024... and it's not bro marketing.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

How much do you really have to give (or give up) to be considered "all in" when it comes to your job or your business?

This week, I recount a deeply personal journey, pulling back the curtain on the emotional rollercoaster of what seems like an increasingly convoluted job application process. I share the excitement of connecting with what seemed like the perfect team, where my expertise was truly valued, to the sting of having a promising job offer taken away because of the question of commitment.

But this conversation goes beyond the nuts and bolts of job hunting. It's an exploration of the controversial demands for "all-in" dedication. I talk about how this expectation can be both a badge of honor and a source of shame, challenging the established norms of what employers expect. It's time to bring to argue for a healthier balance, one that values personal growth just as much as professional achievement, without leading to burnout. 

Through my experiences, I offer insights and critical perspectives that question the business world's definition of commitment. It's all about the struggles of seeking employment while running a business, and the important lessons on setting boundaries in the pursuit of a career that's truly fulfilling.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Ever thought about the fine line between content writing and copywriting? In this week's episode, I chat with Samantha Burmeister, the force behind Nomad Copy Agency, and we dive deep into the art and science of copywriting—a key element that distinguishes good brands from unforgettable ones.

Samantha shares her unique approach to 'done for you' and 'done with you' services, enriched by her adventures around the globe. These experiences are her secret ingredient to crafting copy that not only resonates with audiences but also drives significant sales.

But you don't have to be a digital nomad in order to benefit. Together, we debunk common myths about copywriting, highlight the critical role of analytics in fine-tuning your message, and discuss what to look for in a marketing collaboration that truly moves the needle. Considering expanding your team? Get expert insights on spotting the right (and wrong) signs in your search for a copywriting companion.

This episode isn't solely focused on business growth; it's an invitation to personal development and professional authenticity. We share our journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, stressing the value of independence paired with the right mentorship. We also dissect how memberships offer a sustainable mix of expert advice and affordability.

Join us for a chat filled with personal anecdotes, professional wisdom, and actionable strategies designed to not just boost your business, but to foster a holistic journey of growth and authenticity. Whether you're a business owner, a budding copywriter, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of effective messaging, this episode is your roadmap to understanding and leveraging the power of impactful copywriting.

Connect with Samantha!

Bio:
Sam writes really freakin' good copy for service providers, and helps them write copy that sounds like them, but converts better!

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/nomad.copy/
https://www.nomadcopyagency.com/flash-sale-guide

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

When life finally threw me the Covid curveball, the forced time off had me questioning the very notion of work-life balance. 

Here's the truth about our pursuit of balance: you'll never reach it because it doesn't exist. 

In this from-the-heart episode, I take a look at the cost of juggling all the balls: health, family duties, and professional ambitions, and reveal how the quest for balance actually comes down to making space for life's chaos.

This episode isn't just about weathering storms; it's a call for redefining self-worth in a society that measures us by our output. I challenge you to reassess your daily grind, asking if each task truly serves your goals and your joy. 

Because it's not about work-life balance at all. It's about something much sweeter. Tune in to find out what.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In a world where entrepreneurs can sometimes see ads as the "fix" for business growth, Jenn Possick -- the Ads Maven -- busts the BS: ads are potent tools, but they're not a magic bullet. 

With her sharp insights and years of experience, Jenn shares the foundational elements your business must have in place before you even think about funnelling money into Facebook ads. From the significance of a working and proven funnel to the art of nurturing an email list, we cover how ads can amplify launch events and attract clients when executed with a clear strategy and understanding of how they work.

We also get a little personal and share stories about how entrepreneurship impacts personal growth and identity, and the mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurial success. We touch on issues like gender-based financial biases and the importance of financial education, all while stressing the balance between business savvy and maintaining a healthy mindset. 

If you're a coach, service provider, or consultant and ads are in your business future, you don't want to miss this episode.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Have you ever tossed a business idea into the void after a brief effort, hoping for instant success but ultimately giving up? 

Hold that thought, because I'm dishing out a reality check on patience and perseverance this week. 

I'm sharing 3 tough love truths that we all need to embrace if we're going to make any progress in our business growth in 2024. Bold claim? Probably. But also probably not.

Join me as I explain why the key to a flourishing business isn't speed but steady growth over time. Plus, I'll debunk the idea that every low-ticket customer is a stepping stone to high-ticket sales, providing a fresh perspective on how to genuinely cater to different client needs.

And I'll wrap up by talking about the 'passion-turned-profit' narrative and why it doesn't have to be your story. It's not just about yielding to the pressure of monetizing every skill; it's about aligning your business ventures with what resonates deep within your core values. 

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Ever feel like you're just spinning your wheels in your business? You're not alone. 

This episode is all about getting unstuck and finding your groove again. We start off by tackling those feelings of fear and uncertainty that keep us frozen in place. I'll even share some down-to-earth advice from my mom that's helped me more times than I can count.

Then, we're diving into the practical stuff – how to set clear goals without getting lost in overthinking. It's all about trusting your gut, making decisions confidently, and being flexible. Because let's be honest, the road to success is rarely a straight line.

We'll chat about how to pivot with purpose, keep your eye on the prize, and stay graceful under pressure – cruising through the ups and downs of business life. 

So, if you're ready to shake off that feeling of being stuck and start moving forward, this is the episode for you. Get ready for some real talk and actionable tips to turn your business journey from stagnant to stellar.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Stepping into 2024 doesn't have to mean sprinting full speed ahead. 

I'm all about challenging that relentless hustle culture as we ease into the New Year. 

Forget about the mad dash to be ultra-productive—this week, it's all about intentional pacing and embracing the power of rest. As I share my personal holiday recovery and the surprising clarity that comes from simply slowing down, you'll discover why sometimes the best ideas and strategies emerge when we allow ourselves a moment to breathe.

Year two of Business Blasphemy is upon us, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride of continued conversation with a fresh twist. We're not just questioning those sacred entrepreneurship norms; we're ready to overhaul our approach to business. 

It's about building a venture that genuinely respects your individual life and aspirations, minus the intimidation from those self-proclaimed gurus. Are you prepared to join me in reshaping our entrepreneurial mindset? Let's step boldly into this chapter together, ready for transformation as we kick butts and take names.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Online business has evolved enormously since 2020.

This week, I'm joined by 4 audacious and incredibly powerful and insightful business owners: Jennifer Battle, Rachel Aiken, Elaine Jardon, and Erika Tebbens.

Tune in as they share their journey and the evolution of online entrepreneurship over the last few years. We unmask the aftermath of the pandemic and its effect on business strategies and buyer habits. We explore currency in the digital marketplace and the key to making sales. We pay homage to our collective growth, the trials and triumphs of doing business differently and the innovations birthed from necessity.

We also talk about the changing definitions of business success. This isn’t just about revenue – it’s about personal growth, mentorships, and crafting a business model that is as structured as it is flexible, exploring the duality of working to live and living to work, and sometimes how the means to an end could be the end itself.

We touch on a variety of topics within the online space: marketing, email and copy, courses and IP, strategy, education and coaching, capacity, and the over-simplification of teaching.

With 2024 on the horizon, we leave no stone unturned, discussing our predictions for the business landscape and how it's changing (or needs to change), the need for a customer-centric approach and the balance between sharing your intimate journey while achieving larger-than-life results. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or a newcomer to the business world, this conversation is a necessity.

Connect with Our Guests:

Rachel Aiken:
Rachel Aiken Consulting is an online business education company specialising in working with service based entrepreneurs. My mission is to guide my clients to successfully and sustainably scale their expertise with signature programs that make a bigger impact around their vision for success. My vision is for the conversation in the online business space to change from being revenue focused to client results focused by sharing my Signature Success Activators. 

• https://www.instagram.com/iamrachelaiken
• https://www.rachelaiken.com

Elaine Jardon:
Elaine Jardon's a website marketing expert and email marketing strategist for standout service providers. She works with small businesses to clarify and simplify their messaging so more website visitors become leads and more leads become clients.

• elainejardon.com
• @thejardongroup on all the socials

Erika Tebbens:
Erika Tebbens (she/her) is a Growth Strategist for experienced entrepreneurs who want to become sought after experts and industry innovators. Helping changemakers, thought-leaders, and visionaries get their culture shifting work in front of more of the right people, in truly sustainable ways, is her jam. She does this through crafting individualized visibility and messaging strategies that are highly-impactful, sales-focused, and always values aligned.

• ErikaTebbens.com
• Instagram at @erikatebbensconsulting (https://instagram.com/erikatebbensconsulting)

Jennifer Battle: 
Jennifer Battle is a speaker, podcaster and thought partner. She helps women break out of their boxes by asking deep questions so that they can reveal their best lives.

• Jenniferbattlebrands.com/community
• LinkedIn.com/in/jenniferbattlebrands

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.