In this solo episode of The Systems Social Hour, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes moment that reminded me exactly why I set up my systems the way I do. After connecting with a lead who ignored my pricing, scheduling, and communication preferences right off the bat, I had to decide: do I cave and accommodate... or stick to my process and hold my boundary?

I break down how that interaction played out (spoiler: it didn’t move forward), why it was actually a win, and how systems act as a built-in filter for the kinds of clients you want to work with. We talk about how to structure your inquiry workflows to reflect your availability, how to redirect people gently but firmly, and why your inbox, scheduler, and email signature can all be tools for maintaining healthy boundaries.

If you’ve ever bent your own rules only to regret it later, this one’s for you. Let’s talk red flags, missed moments, and how your systems can do the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting your time, energy, and sanity.