When I started this podcast Leah Ladson was the exact person I had in mind to interview. As you will hear both her and her husband have designed a life to fit the lifestyle they want for their family. In this episode we really explore the importance of having a why in your business and the importance of always coming back to this and even using it for your decision making. I got so much out of this chat with Leah and I'm sure you will too.

I loved the following insight from Leah:

What are the main challenges that you experience now in building the business and maintaining it?

I would say my biggest challenge at the moment is that I could really grow and scale my business now at a rapid rate but it would mean spending less time with my kids.

So at the moment I work three days a week, I have two days that I spend with my daughter Audrey and I do a lot of school pick-ups and drop-offs.

Sometimes it is really tempting to just scale and go all out while the opportunity is there but then I always have to remember to check in with myself and my why of my business and my why is that I started my business to hang out with my kids and be present and so if the opportunity doesn't align with that I just won't do it.

For me it is just the temptation of really sky-rocketing the business but just having that restraint to hold on for a few more years and go slow and steady.

It is hard to say no especially when really cool opportunities arise. I've been getting much better probably in the last 12 months of just being really restrained with what I say yes to. It is kind of liberating as well to say no to things but it is super tempting some days I just want to do it all but then I remember it will mean I won't be able to do school drop offs and pick ups.

Leah is one of Australia's emerging go-to photographers for commercial and branding photography, as well as a recognised wedding and family photographer. Leah has just expanded her offerings running flat lay photography courses for business owners and is also a mentor for start up businesses.

In her spare time Leah founded 'Girls From The Go' a group that supports regional women who run their own businesses.

Leah lives in Bendigo with her husband Des and daughters Missy and Audrey.

You can find Leah at leahladson.com.au or on Instagram @leahladsonphotography.