HerBusiness

If you started your business because you're brilliant at what you do — you're not alone.

Most business owners don't begin their journey dreaming of managing a team. They start because they're passionate about their craft, their expertise, or the impact they want to make.

But eventually, something shifts.

You reach a point where the business grows beyond what you alone can do. And the next stage of growth doesn't come from working harder — it comes from learning how to lead.

In this week's episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, I sat down with leadership expert and entrepreneur Shivani Gupta to talk about one of the most important transitions a founder can make: moving from doing the work to leading the people who do the work.

It's a transition many founders struggle with.

Shivani shared that early in her career, she believed success meant working longer hours and doing everything herself. But over time, she discovered something surprising — the more she learned to let go, delegate, and focus on her "zone of genius," the more successful her businesses became.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The critical mindset shift founders must make to grow beyond themselves
• The hidden cost of losing a team member (it's far more than recruitment)
• Why your highest performers are actually the most at risk of burnout
• The hiring mistake many small business owners make when they're in a hurry
• And the leadership skill most founders were never taught — but absolutely need

One insight that stood out for me was Shivani's perspective on leadership as a coaching role.

When founders learn how to ask better questions, support their team's thinking, and empower others to take ownership, something powerful happens: the team grows, the business grows, and the founder finally gets the space to lead.

And that's ultimately what building a business is about — creating something that works with you, not something that depends entirely on you.

If you're building a team, or thinking about building one, this episode will give you practical insights you can start using right away.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

Learn more about Shivani's services

Check out Shivani's book Getting Your People to Step Up: 7 Simple Strategies to Attract and Keep Your Key Talent

Katie Balogh, Bright Point Research (review/commenter)

In business, there are seasons when everything seems to flow effortlessly.

Ideas land. Clients say yes. Momentum builds.

And then there are the other seasons.

The ones where you feel like you're doing all the things… yet somehow getting nowhere.

If you've ever found yourself staring at your laptop, wondering whether you've forgotten how to run your business, you're not alone.

In this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, Suzi Dafnis explores the very real cycles that most business owners experience — from soaring growth to frustrating plateaus — and why those slower seasons might actually be laying the groundwork for your next leap forward.

You'll also hear how to tell the difference between a temporary hard week and deeper burnout, why doing less isn't always the solution, and how to recognise when your business model may no longer be aligned with who you've become as a leader.

Because often when things feel stuck, it's a sign of a transition.

And transition is where meaningful growth begins.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• Why it's normal for businesses to move through cycles of momentum and stagnation
• What it really means when you feel like you're "getting nowhere"
• The key difference between a tough week and true burnout
• How misalignment in your business model can lead to exhaustion
• Why doing less isn't always the answer to burnout
• How to recognise the work that creates energy versus the work that drains you
• The difference between maintenance work and momentum work
• A powerful question to ask when you feel overwhelmed in your business
• How identity shifts influence the way you lead your next chapter

A Few Questions to Reflect On

As you listen, you might like to ask yourself:

• Where am I constantly forcing myself in my business?
• If I were building this business from scratch today, would I design it the same way?
• What work consistently gives me energy?
• What work drains me every time?
• What is the one thing that would make everything else easier right now?

Often, clarity doesn't come from doing more.

It comes from creating space to think.

Join the HerBusiness Network:If you're ready to grow a sustainable business surrounded by other ambitious women business owners, the HerBusiness Network is where strategy, community and support come together.

Apply to join us here: https://www.herbusinessnetwork.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

Episode 330: Why "White Space" is the Secret to Getting Unstuck in Business

Review by Davina Borrow-Jones, The Mumpreneur LawyerDavina specialises in drafting custom contracts and reviewing existing agreements to help protect your business.Website: https://mumlawyer.com.au/

So many smart, capable women in business are working hard — but not seeing the profit to match.

They're busy. They're delivering. They care deeply about their clients.

And yet they're exhausted, stretched and under-earning.

In this episode, Suzi unpacks the Invisible Work Trap — the work that feels productive and responsible but doesn't directly increase revenue or profitability — and what to do instead.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• What "invisible work" is and why it keeps women busy but not profitable
• Why adding more to your offer can actually dilute its value
• The rule of "Revenue Before Refinement"
• How over-customising reduces scalability and margins
• The hidden cost of over-functioning for clients
• How to use a simple profitability filter before adding anything new

You don't need to prove your value by exhausting yourself.

You need clarity, boundaries and a commitment to profitable action.

If this episode resonated, share it with another woman in business who might be stuck in the Invisible Work Trap.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

Reviewer: Lydia Dyhin, Calma Lifestyle

Episode 328: 4 Systems That Saved My Sanity as a Business Owner

Is Your Brand Supporting Your Growth — or Slowing It Down?

As your business grows, your brand needs to grow with it.

But many small businesses operate under a brand created in the early days — when they were charging less, serving different clients, or still figuring out their positioning.

And over time, that misalignment can quietly slow your growth.

In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Horvat, Founder of Graphika, a branding partner to professional service providers who want to build clear, compliant and credible brands that support long-term success.

With nearly three decades of experience — working with organisations like Paralympics Australia, NSW and QLD Government, corporate clients and hundreds of small businesses — Melissa understands how to translate your expertise into a brand presence that builds trust and authority.

In this conversation, we explore what branding really means for professional service providers — and how to ensure your brand reflects the level of business you're building now, not the one you started with.

If you're serious about sustainable growth, this episode will help you assess whether your brand is an asset… or a limitation.

Here's What We Cover in This Episode:

• The subtle signs your brand is out of alignment with the level of business you're operating at now
• Why professional service providers need more than a "nice logo" to build authority and trust
• How a clear and credible brand shortens the sales cycle and attracts better-fit clients
• The role compliance and professionalism play in building confidence with high-value clients
• What happens behind the scenes when your visual identity doesn't match your expertise
• Practical first steps to elevate your brand without overcomplicating the process

Branding isn't about making your business look bigger than it is.

It's about making sure your brand accurately reflects the quality, expertise and experience you bring — so the right clients recognise your value immediately.

If you've been feeling like your business has evolved… but your brand hasn't caught up, this conversation will give you clarity on what to do next.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Get Your Free Brand Consultation

Check out Melissa's Social Media Course

Register Your Interest in the Brand You Membership

Thanks to our Reviewer, Brigit Hallam of Throw Your Leg Over

Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

You've built the business.

But if your products and services feel more complicated than they need to be, it may be time to simplify — without throwing everything out and starting again.

In this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, Suzi talks about why simplifying your offers is often the fastest path to clearer decisions, better systems, and sustainable growth.

Suzi shares her own experience of letting go of a major revenue stream to create space for what's next — and why offering less, with more focus, hasn't made the business less profitable. If anything, it's done the opposite.

This episode is for women business owners who are ready to refine, not reinvent — and who want to grow with more clarity, confidence, and support.

In This Episode, Suzi Explores:

• Why too many offers can dilute your message and drain your energy
• What it really means to simplify without starting over
• The role of focus in creating sustainable, profitable growth
• Why deciding what you want people to buy first changes everything
• How leading with one core offer creates clarity for both you and your clients
• Practical ways to review and streamline what you offer
• How simplifying can support your ideal lifestyle

Simplifying your products and services isn't about doing less for the sake of it — it's about creating clarity. When you decide what matters most and let go of what no longer fits, you create space to grow.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Listen to "How to Market Multiple Offers Without Overwhelming Your Audience (or Yourself)"

Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

Check our Reviewer Justine Parson's business, The Lever

If LinkedIn has felt like something you should use but don't quite know how, or you've been posting without much traction, this episode is for you.

My guest today is Jo Saunders, known as Australia's LinkedIn Demystifier. Jo is a LinkedIn strategist who helps service-based business owners turn LinkedIn into a sales and relationship-building tool — without being pushy or inauthentic.

In this conversation, we talk about how women entrepreneurs can use LinkedIn strategically — to build trust, increase visibility, and make real sales — all while showing up as their true selves.

Whether you're already active on LinkedIn or feeling embarrassed by your neglected profile, Jo offers practical advice and powerful mindset shifts that will help you take the next step.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why random posting isn't enough — and how to use LinkedIn with real purpose
• The algorithm changes in 2026 you need to know about (and how to work with them)
• What it means to be "appropriately human" on a professional platform
• How to position your offers and include CTAs without turning people off
• The importance of being consistent in your messaging (and how talking about too many things can confuse your audience — and the algorithm)
• Jo's thoughts on AI-generated content and why authenticity matters more than ever
• What "connect-fluence" means and how to use connection to drive influence and sales
• The key differences between showing up to "make friends" versus selling with service
• How to leverage key areas of your LinkedIn profile (Jo calls them "sales hotspots") to drive traffic and conversions
• Whether or not you need LinkedIn Premium — and who it's really for
• Why slowing down your outreach and engaging thoughtfully is the biggest missed opportunity
• How Jo is using leverage in her business this year by relaunching community events
• What "Your Business, Your Rules" means to Jo — and how she embraces it by showing up in her colourful, unique way

Key Takeaways:

• Don't just post to be visible — post with a purpose. Know what you're selling, who it's for, and create content that helps them.
• Your LinkedIn profile is a credibility tool. Treat it like a landing page — make sure it's clear, current, and aligned with your message.
• Show up as yourself — strategically. You don't have to fit a corporate mould. Just be intentional and on-brand.
• Connection comes before conversion. Build influence by building trust. Engage meaningfully, and don't rush the sale.
• You can sell — without being salesy. Provide value first. Then give people a clear next step.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The HerBusiness Network

Get a copy of Jo's LinkedIn Healthcheck

Connect with Jo on LinkedIn

Learn more about working with Jo

Follow strategist Joroen Kraaijenbrink of The Big 5 of Strategy on LinkedIn

Reviewer Kaye Ure, of Styling Individuals

Listen to episode 330: Why "White Space" is the Secret to Getting Unstuck in Business

If you've ever found yourself stuck in what feels like perpetual promotion mode, feeling like you're shouting, "Buy my thing. Buy my thing." This episode is for you.

In this special "Ask Suzi" episode, Suzi Dafnis shares a question from one of our members, and one that so many women business owners ask:

How do I market multiple services, products, or programs without confusing my audience or exhausting myself?

As your business grows, your offer range often grows too — but that doesn't mean you have to market everything at once.

Suzi breaks down four powerful shifts that will help you simplify your marketing, make more aligned sales, and build a more sustainable business — one that doesn't rely on you being in constant "sell" mode.

In This Episode:

• Why more offers don't always mean more results
• How to simplify what you're offering and focus on the right things at the right time
• The importance of knowing your numbers so you can work smarter, not harder
• How to stack your offers throughout the year to build momentum
• The difference between public promotions and private invitations — and why you don't need to promote every offer to everyone
• Real examples from different types of businesses — including consultants, stylists, and traditional service-based businesses

Mentioned in This Episode:

The HerBusiness Network

Money Metrics Blueprint

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No matter your level of expertise, years in your industry, or depth of knowledge — if you're not able to present that content with confidence and PRESENCE… you're quietly holding your business back.

How we present ourselves and our businesses is just as important as the actual value we provide. So how can you ensure you're showing up ready to make the greatest possible impact with your presence? And how can you do this while remaining authentic and true to yourself?

That's exactly what Anne Maree Wilshire and I are discussing on this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast. Anne Maree, founder of Vibrant Voices, is an expert on voice, presence, and presentation—and today she's sharing the secrets to speaking with impact, confidence, and presence as a small-business owner.

Here's What You'll Discover on This Episode:

• What "presence" really means in a business context (and why it creates trust and authority!).
• The 3 biggest internal barriers that prevent your message from landing – and how to recognise them fast.
• Why old belief systems about being 'appropriate' hold us back from saying what we truly want (and prevent us from attracting people who agree!)
• The #1 blindspot entrepreneurs have when preparing for presentations, keynotes, podcasts, or any speaking event (Hint – it's NOT the quality of your notes!).
• The professional masks you might be putting up that actually create a disconnect with your clients (You might not even realise you're doing this!)
• How to make your audience understand – and resonate with! – your message, without feeling like you're overexplaining or rushing.
• Why confidence is never something you can wait for, and the ONE thing you can do to actually create it.
• Exactly what to prepare before speaking so you can stay grounded (and more importantly – connected to your topic, audience, and passion).
• What conviction and courage really look like, and how to access them in high-pressure situations.
• Why presence matters to you and your brand, and how to cultivate that presence to attract more clients, bring in opportunities, and open doors for yourself.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The HerBusiness Network

Vibrant Voices with Anne Maree Wilshire

Episode EP336: Reflect Now, Relax Later: How to End 2025 Strong and Step into 2026 with Intention

Big Stories, Little Films

Everyone knows that marketing is an investment… but when you don't have clarity about the money behind your marketing, it can quickly start to feel like a financial black hole.

So in this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, we're talking about the financial side of marketing – not just how to get more leads or engagement…

…but how to make sure the money, time, and energy you invest into marketing is actually WORKING. (Instead of quietly draining your cash flow.)

So before diving into your next big campaign or launch, let's talk about how marketing and money go together.

Here's What You'll Discover in This Episode:

• How to make marketing decisions from a place of financial clarity, rather than guesswork (or worse… panic!)
• Discover whether your marketing is supporting your immediate cash flow or your long-term growth strategy
• How to choose ONE clear marketing goal for the next 90 days (and why that focus is KEY)
• Why understanding your financial boundaries around marketing is essential (so you don't overspend or waste money)
• Track what is working, so you can understand when to "hit pause" on underperformers… and "turn up" what does well with your audience
• Start leading your marketing and your money like a true CEO

Mentioned in This Episode:

Get the Small Business Finance Course for Women Business Owners

Join the HerBusiness Network

Reviewer - Sarah Brabbin, British Wildlife Sculptor

Claim your Free Business Owner's Money Metrics Blueprint

It's time to #AskSuzi! To start off this brand-new series, I'll be answering a question I get from women business owners all the time.

"How can I turn cold leads into warm leads… without feeling like a used car salesman??"

It's something the majority of new (and even established) business owners feel uncomfortable doing. But the good news? There is a science to it. Let's dive into it.

Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why following up with cold leads feels so awkward (and what you can do to reframe it)
• What to say when following up without sounding awkward or 'desperate' for the sale.
• What adding value (without asking for the sale) builds the trust and momentum you need
• Why creating a PATHWAY to the sale is your best bet to reaching it.
• How to design a simple lead nurturing pathway that moves prospects towards becoming clients.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The HerBusiness Network

How to Get FREE Leads & Buyers on Instagram with Nicole Burke

From Free to Paid: How To Seamlessly Convert Leads to Buyers

How To Create A New Client Nurture Email Campaign

Thanks to our Reviewer - Brigit Hallam - Throw Your Leg Over Motorcycle Adventures