In this episode of The Inspired Collective, we're pull back the curtain on the hard-won lessons that shaped our careers. From chasing shiny objects and over-saying “yes,” to ignoring the numbers, we're breaking down the top five mistakes that almost broke us, and what we do differently now.

What You’ll Hear:

1. The “Shiny Thing” Syndrome – Why staying in your lane matters, and how to know when you’re jumping ships before you’ve learned to sail the first one.
2. Being Reactive Instead of Proactive – How a fast-growing side hustle turned into 18 clients, zero systems, and tears on the kitchen floor — and the exact mindset shift that rebuilt it.
3. Ignoring the Numbers – Why “data makes decisions, and decisions make dollars,” even for the non-math-girlie among us.
4. Not Adapting to the Market – The post-COVID shift, the rise of values-driven clients, and why personalization now beats perfection.
5. Hiring (and Firing) Fails – Lessons from keeping the wrong people too long, setting boundaries with heart, and why “hire slow, fire fast” saves your sanity and your bottom line.

Key Takeaways:

• Momentum isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things consistently.
• You can’t scale chaos. Start with systems before you’re buried in success.
• Numbers tell the story of your business, learn to read them or partner with someone who can.
• Growth isn’t always forward; sometimes pausing is the smartest move.
• Hire for attitude, not just aptitude. You can teach skills, not self-awareness.