Messy Business - with Libby Langley

Messy Business - with Libby Langley

By Libby Langley | Business & Marketing StrategistBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketingManagement
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Messy Business - with Libby Langley episodes

  • 114: #114 How to Find Your 'Why' and Stay Motivated in Business
    Your why is more than a marketing soundbite — it’s the compass that keeps you going when business feels hard, messy, or uncertain. In this episode, I’m diving deep into why your why matters more than you think.

    This week’s episode is a heartfelt one. I’m sharing how my own understanding of my why has shifted massively over the past 13 years in business — from simply wanting to do things differently to realising that the quiet ripple effect of my work changes lives. And that’s what keeps me going.

    We’ll explore:

    • How your why evolves over time and why that’s okay
    • What to do when your business is “successful” but doesn’t feel aligned
    • The emotional power behind your deeper motivation (spoiler: mine made me cry mid-recording)
    • Why rediscovering your why makes everything — decision-making, boundaries, focus — feel easier and lighter
    • How small, personal businesses can have a huge collective impact

    • Your why doesn’t need to sound impressive. It just needs to feel true. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really driving you or felt disconnected from your work, this episode is for you.

      🛠️ Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

       What’s your why? However messy or unpolished it feels, I’d love to hear it. Message me on Instagram or LinkedIn, or email me. Because once you know why your work matters, it changes everything.

      Here’s to businesses built on joy, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

      Libby x

      28 min
    • 113: #113 Balancing Life and Business: How to Prioritise What Matters
      Let’s ditch the hustle-first mentality and start building your business in a way that actually supports your life — your energy, your values, and your reality.

      In this episode, I’m sharing:

      • What a life-first business actually means (hint: it’s not about doing less, it’s about doing what matters)
      • Why acknowledging your real-life responsibilities and limitations isn’t negative — it’s smart and sustainable
      • The boundaries I’ve built into my own business and how they’ve helped me protect my energy and enjoy my work more
      • Practical tips like implementation weeks, no-call days, and simplifying your services to reduce stress and increase joy
      • Why growth isn’t just about revenue, and how you get to define what success looks like

      • You’ll learn how to balance business and life without burning out, and how to align your goals with what really lights you up — even if that means doing things differently than the internet tells you to.

        🛠️ Helpful Links:
        🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
        📖 Read my book
        💬 Work with me

        What small tweak could make your business feel lighter today? Message me on Instagram or LinkedIn and let’s chat. Your life-first business starts with one brave decision — and I’m here to cheer you on.

        Until next time — here’s to more joy, less pressure, and a business that feels like home.

        Libby x

        28 min
      • 112: #112 How to Set Business Goals You Can Actually Achieve
        We’re not here for fluffy resolutions or overwhelming “10k months” unless they truly mean something to you. In this episode, I’m talking about how to set goals that you’ll genuinely want to stick to — because they matter to you, not Instagram.

        We’ll explore:

        • Why traditional goal setting often fails (and what to do instead)
        • How to create goals based on how you want your life to feel — not just what you want to achieve
        • The power of simplicity, sustainability, and flexibility when planning out your year
        • Why your goals don’t need to impress anyone but you
        • A breakdown of how I personally approach goals in my business — including why “3 new clients a month” works better for me than “36 a year”
        • Practical tools like post-it reminders, personal check-ins, and gentle accountability that keep you motivated (without burning out)

        • If your current business isn’t giving you what you need — whether that’s energy, ease, time, or income — this episode is here to help you shift things. With compassion. With clarity. With goals that feel good, not goals that crush you.

          🛠️ Helpful Links:
          🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
          📖 Read my book
          💬 Work with me

          💌 Your turn!
          I’d love to hear what your goals are — big, small, or beautifully simple. Send me a message on Instagram or LinkedIn and let me be your cheerleader. Saying it out loud is the first step to making it real.

          Here’s to goals that fit your life, not fight against it.

          Libby x
          28 min
        • 111: #111 Life In Business Looking Back, Moving Forward - 2024's Wins And Wisdom
          As 2023 draws to a close, I’m inviting you into a moment of honest reflection — not the “look how much money I made” kind, but the real, grounded, human kind.

          In this bonus episode, I’m sharing:

          • Why leading with heart (not just head) was the most uncomfortable — and transformative — shift I made this year
          • How saying no to 1:1 work and fully committing to Confidence to Grow has been my proudest achievement
          • The wisdom of flexibility — why life will always life, and your business needs to work with it, not fight against it
          • A reminder to celebrate the tiny wins just as much as the big ones (that inbox at zero counts!)
          • Why simplifying everything (offers, strategy, expectations) is the most underrated business move you’ll ever make

          • Plus, I talk about how my husband and I use the quiet of Christmas to map out the year ahead (complete with pre-booked holidays), why bold was my word of the year (yes, it’s tattooed on me!), and how keeping goals simple and sustainable helps you stay motivated long after January ends.

            Whether you’ve had a year of wins, wobbles, or just white-knuckling your way through, there’s space for it all here. And if nothing else, take this as your reminder: you’ve done so much more than you think — and I’m really proud of you.

            🛠️ Helpful Links:
            🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
            📖 Read my book
            💬 Work with me

             Come and tell me what your biggest win or lesson has been this year — or what you’re letting go of for good. Message me on Instagram or LinkedIn (no voice notes, promise!) and let’s chat.

            Here’s to reflection without judgment, planning without pressure, and a beautiful new chapter ahead.

            Libby x
            28 min
          • 110: #110 Social Media Balance: How to Market Without Burnout
            I’ve been teaching social media since 2009 — yep, I’m a bit of a veteran — and I’ve seen it all. The trends, the algorithms, the obsession with follower counts, and the pressure to show up constantly. But here’s the truth: social media is just a tool. You’re allowed to use it on your own terms.

            In this episode, we’ll explore:

            • How to work out why you're really using social media (and if it’s even worth it)
            • Why you don’t need to be on every platform (especially if one makes you feel awful)
            • The importance of purpose-led content over noisy trends
            • How to set boundaries around your scrolling habits — without going cold turkey
            • The difference between business use and brain-dead doomscrolling (yep, we all do it)

            • I’m also sharing how I decided to stop videoing this podcast, how I let go of TikTok completely, and why I recently closed my 13-year-old Facebook page. Spoiler: nothing exploded. And it gave me so much peace and clarity.

              You don’t have to be everywhere. You just have to show up in a way that feels like you.

              🛠️ Helpful Links:
              🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
              📖 Read my book
              💬 Work with me

              DM me on Instagram or LinkedIn and tell me one small change you’re going to make to feel more in control of your socials. Whether it’s switching off notifications or saying goodbye to a platform entirely, I’d love to hear about it.

              Here’s to using social media as a tool — and never letting it be your master.

              Libby x
              28 min
            • 109: #109 How to Say No in Business (Without Guilt)
              We’re diving into one of the most transformational tools in business (and life): saying no — kindly, confidently, and without spiralling into guilt or people-pleasing. If you've ever found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no, or booked something future-you just knew wouldn't feel right, I get it — and you’re not alone.

              In this episode, I’m sharing:

              • Why saying no is essential for your energy, focus, and long-term success
              • The difference between saying no to protect your priorities vs. just being flaky
              • How to stop over-explaining and stand by your boundaries with calm confidence
              • What the sunk cost fallacy has to do with your calendar (and your sanity)
              • Why saying no now opens the door to a bigger, better yes later

              • You’ll also hear how I’ve said no to events, clients, and opportunities this year — and why that’s created more space, more peace, and more impact in my business.

                No isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. And it might just be your most powerful business tool.

                🛠️ Helpful Links:
                🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
                📖 Read my book
                💬 Work with me

                Come tell me over on Instagram @libbylangley or drop into my DMs on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what you’re consciously clearing off your plate — and what exciting things that might make space for.

                Here's to fewer shoulds, more alignment, and a whole lot less guilt.

                Libby x

                28 min
              • 108: #108 How to Overcome Loneliness as a Business Owner
                This one’s a heart-to-heart. Because if you’re working from home, on your own, building your business — it’s okay if some days feel really flipping lonely. Even if you're an introvert (like me). Even if you love your business. Even if it’s working on paper. Loneliness is a very real — and very common — part of life in business, and it’s time we talked about it.

                In this episode, I’m sharing:

                • Why loneliness affects more solo business owners than we realise
                • How even “successful” entrepreneurs struggle with connection
                • The surprising ways it can impact your mental health and motivation
                • My honest reflections after my husband started working away
                • Creative, practical ways to feel more supported (including the M&S jumper test — yes, really)

                • From business buddies and co-working calls to touching jumpers in Marks & Spencer (just go with me here), you’ll come away with gentle, doable strategies to feel more connected, supported, and like you’re not doing this all alone — because you’re not.

                  🛠️ Helpful Links:
                  🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
                  📖 Read my book
                  💬 Work with me

                  Have you felt this kind of loneliness too? What helps you shake it off or shift the energy? Send me a message on Instagram @libbylangley or pop into my DMs on LinkedIn — no voice notes though, please! I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

                  Here’s to a little more connection, a lot more compassion, and a business that feels good inside and out.

                  Libby x
                  29 min
                • 107: #107 How to Stop Perfectionism From Holding You Back
                  Let’s be honest — perfectionism is exhausting. It slows us down, stops us showing up, and tricks us into thinking we’re not ready, not polished, not good enough yet. But here’s the truth: done is better than perfect. And being real is always more powerful than being ‘perfect’.

                  In today’s episode, we’re diving into:

                  • The difference between high standards and perfectionism
                  • Why chasing ‘perfect’ leads to procrastination, people-pleasing, and burnout
                  • What social media, past criticism, and your inner critic have to do with it
                  • How to start embracing “good enough” and get more done (with way less stress)
                  • Why progress, connection, and being you will always beat polish and filters

                  • I’ll also walk you through practical tips to reframe your perfectionist habits — including how to break goals into manageable milestones, celebrate small wins, and surround yourself with people who value you as you are.

                    You don’t need to be flawless to be successful. You just need to be you. Messy, brilliant, and doing your best — and that’s more than enough.

                    🛠️ Helpful Links:
                    🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
                    📖 Read my book
                    💬 Work with me

                    What “perfect” thing are you letting go of this week? Send me a message on Instagram @libbylangley or drop me a line on LinkedIn — I’d love to cheer you on as you take imperfect action.

                    Here’s to freedom, fun, and feeling like yourself in business again.

                    Libby x
                    28 min
                  • 106: #106 How to Stay Focused in Your Business and Avoid Distractions
                    Let’s face it: modern business life is loud — with notifications, messages, and a hundred shiny things begging for your attention. And if you’re anything like me (hello fellow ADHDers!), focus doesn’t always come easily. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m sharing exactly how I stay on track and reduce distractions so I can actually finish what I start — and feel good about it.

                    We’re talking:

                    • Why managing distractions matters (especially for your energy and productivity)
                    • The impact of constant interruptions on your brain and business growth
                    • How I use time-blocking, digital boundaries, and micro-goals to stay focused
                    • Why you don’t need fancy tools — just systems that work for you
                    • The power of celebrating small wins and being kind to yourself when things don’t go to plan

                    • This isn’t about becoming a robot or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about setting yourself up to do your best work — in a way that suits your brain, your energy, and your business.

                      🛠️ Helpful Links:
                      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
                      📖 Read my book
                      💬 Work with me

                      What helps you stay focused — and what’s one small change you’re going to make after listening to this episode? Message me on Instagram @libbylangley or pop me a note on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what’s landed.

                      Here’s to more focus, less frenzy, and a business that works your way.

                      Libby x

                      29 min
                    • 105: #105 What to Do When Your Business Feels Unstable
                      Wobbles — those little moments of doubt, hesitation or “what the hell am I doing?” panic — are part and parcel of running a business. We all have them. Yes, even me. Yes, even after 13 years. Yes, even today.

                      In this gentle, honest episode, I’m talking you through:

                      • What a “wobble” actually is (and why it’s not a failure)
                      • The most common causes — from comparisonitis to unmet expectations
                      • Why social media might be making your wobbles worse (and what to do about it)
                      • How to sit in the feeling, reflect with kindness, and not spiral
                      • Practical steps for calming the chaos and regaining your footing

                      • We’ll also explore how building strong business foundations — your values, vision and purpose — can help you bounce back quicker and stronger when life throws you off balance.

                        You’ll leave this episode knowing that a wobble is just a moment, not a mess — and that you can absolutely keep going. Steadier. Stronger. And still 100% human.

                        🛠️ Helpful Links:
                        🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
                        📖 Read my book
                        💬 Work with me

                        DM me on Instagram @libbylangley or pop me a message on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to chat and help you make sense of it all — even if it’s just to say “wobble wobble” and feel a bit better.

                        Here’s to taking a breath, steadying yourself, and remembering you’ve got this.

                        Libby x
                        28 min

                      About Messy Business - with Libby Langley

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Messy Business is a podcast about business and work, and all the things we’ve been taught to believe about both. It’s here to help you think better, not just know more.