Ever feel like you’re playing a guessing game with the algorithm?

In this solo episode of Elevated Ambition, I take the mystery out of social media algorithms and show you how to turn them into a powerful ally for your business.

I'll explain how algorithms learn from user behaviour, why engagement is everything, and how you can strategically post, interact, and create to boost your visibility online. From hashtags to Reels, to posting at the right time - these simple shifts can dramatically improve your reach and connection with your audience.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or just curious about how the platforms really work, this episode will give you the clarity and practical steps to start working with the algorithm instead of against it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the algorithm isn’t your enemy (and how to train it to your advantage).

• How consistency and engagement fuel your visibility.

• Practical social media strategies to boost reach with content that resonates.

• Why showing your face and connecting personally makes such a difference.

This episode is one for the soul-led business owners

I’m chatting with the beautiful Emily-Jane Sarroff – a branding strategist, spiritual entrepreneur, and total creative powerhouse. Emily shares her journey from studying architecture to building a thriving six-figure business, and how it all came back to one thing: authenticity.

We dive into the power of creating a brand that reflects who you truly are, how self-trust shapes your business journey, and why spirituality is a powerful tool in your branding process. This conversation is a mix of strategy, energy, and creative magic – with so many takeaways for anyone wanting to build a brand that feels deeply aligned.

In this episode, we chat about:
🌀 What it really means to be authentic
🌀 How spirituality can guide your business decisions
🌀 Nervous system regulation and how it fuels creativity
🌀 Why self-trust is the most important business strategy
🌀 The importance of expressing your truth, not following trends
🌀 Real talk on burnout, staying inspired, and reconnecting with your mission

Whether you're building your brand from the ground up or feeling ready to refresh and realign, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and grounded in your next steps.

Connect with Emily-Jane on Instagram: @empowerwithem

Connect with Emily-Jane on Linkedin here

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I explore one of the most underrated marketing tools for both product and service-based business owners: testimonials, feedback, and referrals.

Discover how testimonials act as powerful social proof, building credibility and trust with your dream clients. Learn the difference between feedback and testimonials, why referrals are warm leads that convert faster, and practical strategies for asking your clients for both.

I also share mindset shifts to help you see feedback as a growth opportunity, not criticism, and highlight the importance of creating simple systems to collect testimonials consistently.

If you’re ready to amplify your online presence and grow your business authentically, this episode will show you how to turn client experiences into your most powerful marketing tool.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

Waitlist to work with Sarah in 2026 here

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In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Katrina, owner of Bloom Boutique Beauty, to talk about her inspiring journey in the beauty industry.

Katrina shares how she first got into the beauty industry and how over 20 years of experience led her to open her own home-based beauty studio in May 2024. She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the often unseen behind-the-scenes work, and why self-care is so much more than a luxury.

We explore the powerful connection between beauty treatments and mental health, why women often feel guilty for prioritising self-care, and how something as simple as a facial or lash treatment can be a reset for both body and mind. Katrina also dives into current beauty trends like brow laminations and lash lifts, the role of social media in shaping beauty standards, and what excites her about the future of her business.

If you’ve ever felt guilty about investing in yourself, this episode is a beautiful reminder of why self-care matters.

Bloom Boutique Beauty on Instagram: @bloomboutiquebeauty

Bloom Boutique Beauty on Facebook

Website: www.bloombeautydunedin.com

Connect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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If you've ever thought, “Do I have to share my whole life online to be relatable?” ... then this episode is for you.

Let’s bust the myth that being authentic = sharing everything online. I’m pulling back the curtain on what I personally share in my business, what I keep private, and how YOU get to create your own rules (that suit YOU!)

Inside this episode:

• How to balance personal posts with business value

• Why oversharing isn’t always more authentic

• The kind of behind-the-scenes content that actually builds connection

• What I don’t post (and why that’s powerful, too)

Because being the face of your brand doesn’t mean you need to share your whole life. Your audience doesn’t need your deepest secrets, they need connection and value.

Join the conversation over on Instagram

Discover how you can work with Sarah Lilly

Don't forget to hit subscribe to get your fortnightly dose of Elevated Ambition, the podcast for ambitious female business owners who are ready to take their brand to the next level (and have fun while doing so!)

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I chat with Merekara from Massage Serenity and Healing in Dunedin.

Merekara shares her inspiring journey of building a wellness business that blends relaxation massage, therapeutic techniques, and traditional Māori healing practices including mirimiri and honohono.

We talk about the challenges of starting a business, the importance of self-care and balance, and how massage can be a powerful tool for maintaining wellbeing. Merekara also explains how she integrates Reiki and traditional Māori energy work into her healing style, creating a holistic experience that supports both body and mind.

From navigating burnout to building meaningful community connections, Merekara offers honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, or simply slowing down in our busy world.

Connect with Merekara on Instagram: @massage_serenity_healing

Book with Merekara here

Connect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

Social media isn’t what it used to be - and if your likes and follows are down, it might not mean what you think. In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I unpack the real story behind today’s engagement metrics.

We explore the shift from vanity metrics like likes and follower counts to deeper, more impactful indicators like reach, click-throughs, and conversions. With video content dominating and attention spans shrinking, it's time to rethink how you define success online.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why social media engagement has changed — and how to adapt

• What metrics actually matter in 2025

• Why reach and conversions are more powerful than likes

• How to shift your strategy to create value-driven content

• The mindset shift every business owner needs when it comes to growth online

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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Feeling disconnected from your body? Learn how to create safety, vitality, and lasting change.

This week, I’m joined by the inspiring Jessebel Chan from Collective Care, a personal trainer and life coach who’s redefining what health and wellness look like for women.

Together, we explore how science and spirituality can work hand-in-hand, why small, consistent steps matter more than drastic changes, and how to reconnect with your body when life feels overwhelming. Jessebel also shares her tips for navigating the fitness world with confidence, building a supportive community, and balancing business with personal wellbeing.

If you’re ready to feel more empowered in your health, find safety and vitality in your body, and step into a holistic approach to wellness, this episode is for you.

Connect with Jess on Instagram : @collectivecare_

Collective Care website: www.collectivecare.co.nz

Follow Sarah on Instagram : @sarahlillymedia

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Branding isn’t just about pretty logos and curated colours—it’s the heart & soul of your business.

In this episode, I dive into the true essence of branding (spoiler alert, it's not just your logo and colours!) and why having a solid brand strategy is crucial for lasting success.

We cover the five powerful pillars of branding strategy and how each one supports your ability to confidently show up, attract aligned clients, and create meaningful impact.

We’re talking:→ Clear, magnetic communication→ Building deep connection→ Consistency across your brand→ Staying aligned with your mission→ Creating a foundation for growth

Plus, you’ll walk away with powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect to your brand’s deeper purpose and mission.

Book your 1:1 Strategy Call and to get clear on your businesses WHY and let me help you build a solid and actionable brand strategy.

Let's connect on Instagram

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Ngahuia Crossman — founder of branding studio Inspiring Design — to talk all things creativity, business evolution, and building a brand with soul.

Ngahuia shares her journey from self-taught designer to the heart-led and values driven entrepreneur she is today. You’ll hear how her business has pivoted with her passions, the importance of storytelling in branding, and why collaboration (not competition!) has been key to her growth. She opens up about building a team, managing creative burnout, and creating a lifestyle business that aligns with your values.

You’ll also learn how Ngahuia uses tools like Canva and AI without losing the human touch — and how she's built a community for women in business through Elevate Mind and Business.

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a brand-builder, or a woman in business looking for real, raw conversation, this episode is for you.

Topics we cover:

• Creative entrepreneurship and DIY branding tools

• Branding as culture, not just design

• Finding your brand’s voice and values

• Pivoting your business with your passions

• Navigating creative burnout and outsourcing

• Creating a supportive, aligned team

• The power of community and networking

• Using AI wisely in branding

• Multiple income streams and lifestyle business tips

Connect with Ngahuia on Instagram: @inspiringdesign_studio

⁠Elevate Mind & Business Community: @elevate_mindandbusiness⁠

Inspiring Design Website:

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

👉 Don't forget to follow and hit rate and review so that Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing women like you!