In this energizing episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, host Sharon DeKoning sits down with high-performance coach and author Jill Payne to explore one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and high achievers: managing their energy. Jill explains why constantly working harder isn’t necessarily the answer and introduces her “Be a Dime” philosophy, using a scale of zero to ten to become more aware of the energy you bring into your work and life. Through her practical BFD framework (Body, Focus, and Dialogue) Jill shows how small shifts in posture, attention, and self-talk can change how we experience even the most stressful situations.
Jill and Sharon dig into the pressure business owners put on themselves, from worrying about payroll and deadlines to feeling responsible for employees, customers, and everyone around them. Jill explains why high achievers can also be their own harshest critics and how negative self-talk quietly drains capacity. They discuss shifting from worry toward the ideal outcome, validating difficult emotions before trying to solve them, and replacing the constant internal urgency of “hurry up” with a calmer, more sustainable approach. Jill also explores self-regard and why caring for yourself means not only knowing what you need, but actually responding to those needs.
The conversation expands into leadership, relationships, and workplace culture as Jill explains that “how you lead yourself is how you lead others.” Rather than lowering your own energy to meet someone on a negative channel, she encourages leaders to manage their own energy first and give others the tools and space to manage theirs. For entrepreneurs who are used to running at full speed, this episode offers a practical reminder that feeling better isn’t something you earn after the work is finished. Taking care of your energy can help you become a more resourceful, confident, positive, and effective business owner, and enjoy the life and business you’re working so hard to build.
About Jill Payne
Jill Payne is a high-performance coach, speaker, author of Be a Dime, and creator of an energy management framework designed to help people intentionally shift how they feel and show up. Originally from Nova Scotia and now based in Victoria, Jill has spent approximately 15 years coaching and speaking about performance, energy, and personal development.
Her work has reached high performers ranging from Olympic athletes to organizations including Google and NASA. Through her “Be a Dime” philosophy, Jill teaches people to evaluate their energy on a scale of zero to ten and use their Body, Focus, and Dialogue to consciously move toward a better channel. Her approach combines self-awareness, self-regard, emotional intelligence, and practical energy management strategies that can be applied in business, leadership, relationships, and everyday life.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Key Moments:
[00:01:20] Meet Jill Payne: Why Energy Matters for Business Owners
[00:03:35] Be a Dime: The 1–10 Energy Scale
[00:05:04] Body, Focus & Dialogue: The BFD Energy Framework
[00:09:55] How Your Energy Changes the Way You See Problems
[00:13:59] Feeling Drained? Tend to Yourself Before Your Work
[00:18:33] Stop Outsourcing Your Self-Worth
[00:23:34] Bringing Better Energy to Stress, Sales & Financial Pressure
[00:29:34] Managing Other People’s Energy Without Losing Your Own
[00:39:15] Redefining Your Personal Marker of Success
[00:41:27] Managing the Noise, Staying in Your Lane & Protecting Your Energy
[00:48:36] Are You Actually Tired—or Just Low on Energy?
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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:
- Website: itpromo.ca
- LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
- Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
- Google: It’s Time Promotions
Contact Jill Payne | Be a Dime:
- Website: jillpayne.ca
- Instagram: @be_a_dime
- YouTube: Jill Payne
- LinkedIn: Jill Payne
