"I am really in awe of how well everything functions within this business. It's not chaotic in any capacity."

This was the message I received from my newest team member and I can tell you, that lack of chaos she feels is very, very intentional. 

Running a business without physical walls comes with its own set of challenges. The absence of spontaneous coffee chats and in-person energy means we need to be even more deliberate about how we create structure and connection. Today, I'm sharing my top leadership and team tips that have transformed Swift Ventures from a potentially chaotic virtual space into what my team member called a "beautifully well-oiled business."

Intention Over Chaos

Every Sunday night, I set aside 30 minutes to map out the week ahead. This isn't just about listing tasks – it's about creating mental space to lead from the front foot rather than constantly playing catch-up.

A calm business is a regulated business. Think about how you show up as a leader. Are you bringing steady, grounded energy or frantic, reactive vibes? The difference ripples through your entire team. 

Systems on Systems

Hearing someone describe my business as "well-oiled" brings me genuine joy. Not because I'm obsessed with perfection, but because those systems represent freedom – both for me, my team and my clients.

Every process in our business lives in Asana, creating a backbone that supports our creativity rather than stifling it. From content creation to client onboarding, we have systems for everything. This doesn’t mean we are rigid, but more that our systems provide a framework that allows us to evolve and grow.

The Art of Virtual Connection

As a leader, everything comes back to me. So when something goes wrong in my business, I don’t point the finger and blame. I’ve been very intentional to create a culture where we ask the question, “ what do we need to do here so that this doesn't happen again?”

Our Slack channels have become our virtual hallways – spaces where ideas flow, celebrations happen, and yes, sometimes silly GIFs are shared. With a team working in three different time zones, we rely heavily on really clear communication through Slack so that everyone knows exactly what is happening.

Embracing Mistakes With Grace

A business that functions well is one where people don't arrive feeling dysregulated or fearful of making mistakes. We hold high standards at Swift Ventures, but we pair them with high support.

When someone messes up – including me – we follow a simple approach: apologise, own it, call it out, and move forward. No dramatic reactions, no lingering tension. Just acknowledgment, learning, and progress.

What I've learned through building this virtual team is that exceptional leadership often reveals itself in the smallest moments – how you respond to a mistake, how attentively you listen, how clearly you communicate your vision. These seemingly minor interactions create the foundation for everything else.

Connect with Ellie: 

Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Let's chat about 2025. Businesses are feeling the pressure. Launches aren't hitting the way they used to, consumer behaviour is shifting and the tension from international trade disruptions feels like it's in the air we breathe.

But here's the thing: I don't want to just graze through 2025 letting circumstances dictate the story. I want to charge in and make this a year where we, at Swift Ventures, don't just weather the storm—we thrive in it. Consider this your personal pep talk from your business bestie: no matter what 2025 throws our way, with the right mindset and some ingenuity, we can turn challenges into our greatest opportunities!

So, let’s take a look at what Swift Ventures is doing to ensure we remain 'all in' this year, and ready to seize whatever comes our way.

Key Takeaways:

• Experiment with AI tools through hands-on exploration rather than theoretical learning
• Consider how your core offerings might need a refresh for today's market
• Embrace iteration as a strength, not a weakness
• Invest in genuine relationships that support you through market fluctuations

Connect with Ellie: 

Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I’ve noticed a recurring theme lately when chatting to clients who run mastermind groups. It's this uneasy feeling that your business model, instead of granting freedom, is feeling more like a cage. The fact that this keeps coming up tells me there’s some sort of problem in the zeitgeist that we need to solve. So, whether you're running a mastermind or any online business, let's uncover why it might feel stifling right now—and how we can steer it back to the freedom lane.

In this episode, we take a look into the freedom zappers that might be affecting your business - from racing against the clock to that persistent emotional exhaustion that keeps you from your creative best. We explore practical solutions, including setting stronger boundaries, moving away from excessive customisation, restructuring your time for better energy flow and ensuring you're working with aligned clients who energise rather than drain you.

Freedom within your business is totally achievable with the right strategies in place. And with these actionable tips, you can start to see real change.

If you’re keen to dive deeper, the Mastermind Model is on its way back with fresh insights to transform your business experience. To be the first in the know, hop onto the waitlist at ellieswift.com/mastermindmodel. Big things are on the horizon!

Key Takeaways:

• Reassess and reinstate your boundaries - be clear about what you will and won't do

• Replace over-customisation with smart systems that maintain quality

• Structure your schedule around energy peaks (try the 3-week call cycle)

• Align with the right clients - it's okay to be selective

• Remember: Every business model can feel confining - the key is adjusting rather than abandoning

Connect with Ellie: 

Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Most business success stories start with the wins. The revenue, the growth, the perfectly curated journey to the top. But Sonja Pototzki-Raymond (aka the Search Queen) flips the script entirely as we talk about what it means to be resilient in business. 

Sonja is the brilliant mind behind The Search Republic, a digital agency that's helped generate over $700 million in client sales.  She is a CEO, Google search expert, author, keynote speaker, and fertility advocate. But there's so much more to her story than her impressive resume.

During our conversation, Sonja shared a raw, honest look at what resilience really means. Instead of promoting the usual 'push through at all costs' mentality, she shared a more nuanced perspective that really resonated with me. It's about building sustainable strength through the most challenging times of life, honoring both the darkness and the light.

Sonja and I actually met through our IVF journeys. It's these kinds of personal challenges that have shaped both our approaches to resilience in life and business. Sonja’s four year journey to bring her first baby girl into the world also birthed her first book, The Search for Resilience, the go-to guidebook to stand strong and awaken the warrior to fight life's toughest battles.

What I love about Sonja's approach is how she challenges the perfectly polished version of entrepreneurship we often see on social media. She's not afraid to acknowledge that building a business isn't a straight path to success. Some days flow smoothly, while others test every ounce of your determination and skill.

We spent time exploring what true resilience looks like in practice and why Sonja believes business is  the ultimate personal development journey.

One of the most refreshing parts of our discussion was about the misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurial success. Social media often shows us the highlight reel – the wins, the celebrations, the perfectly curated moments. But as Sonja emphasises, real business growth happens in those unseen moments of challenge and adaptation. It's about embracing both the victories and the setbacks as equally valuable parts of the journey.

If you're looking to develop your own resilience in business, Sonja's book "The Search for Resilience" has officially hit the shelves and offers a wonderfully honest guide to navigating the entrepreneurial journey. I know you’re going to love her genuine, heartfelt approach to building strength through authenticity.

Connect with Sonja:

Book: The Search for Resilience: Awaken the Warrior in Business and Life

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjathesearchqueen/

Connect with Ellie: 

Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Have you ever stopped to truly consider the value of the relationships you cultivate in your professional life—especially within masterminds? This is a topic I absolutely love to dive into and today we’re exploring it through an incredible conversation with the brilliant Selena Soo. 

Selena is a seven-figure publicity and marketing strategist and author who specialises in helping visionary entrepreneurs, experts and authors reach millions with their message.  She has helped clients get featured in outlets like Oprah Magazine and Forbes and reach six and seven figures in their businesses. Her signature approach comes down to building powerful and long lasting relationships with influencers and the media in a thoughtful, authentic way.

In this episode, we’re talking about how rich relationships can help you build your business, make you more money and how to leverage those relationships through masterminds.

We discuss:

• How masterminds provide a unique space for building genuine, valuable connections with peers and mentors who can transform your journey

• Success in masterminds coming from intentional vulnerability and sharing both wins and struggles openly, allowing others to support you while creating more meaningful connections.

• Contributing actively to the mastermind community, whether through offering help or seeking advice, and how forming smaller groups enables more impactful relationships.

• Carefully curating groups with aligned goals and values while encouraging participants to form meaningful connections that extend beyond surface-level networking.

• The 6 circles of connection and how they can help you determine where different relationships sit in your life

As Selena eloquently puts it, the true essence of a rich relationship is in its capacity to elevate all those involved. By integrating rich relationships into your strategy alongside your business goals, you open yourself up to a network that can move you forward in ways you never imagined.

For those interested in digging deeper into mastering these relationships, Selena offers a free gift with the first four chapters of her book and exclusive rich relationship scripts. You can find these incredible resources at RichRelationshipsBook.com/ellie.

Connect with Selena:

Website: https://www.selenasoo.com/ 

Instagram: @selena_soo

Connect with Ellie: 

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

There's something so beautiful about running an in-person workshop. Especially if you operate mostly online, like I do. I had been craving some in-person connection with my people and decided to host “The Million Dollar Funnel” workshop in Melbourne. This was my very first in-person workshop which I was so excited to deliver and was super prepared for. 

Today, I’m sharing with you the lessons I learned from running this workshop to help you avoid some of the pitfalls that I came across and build your own successful workshop for your people too.

In a world where we're all too familiar with the glow of our screens, I felt a deep pull towards creating something more tangible. This wasn't just about business strategy; it was about satisfying a fundamental human need for connection. Melbourne became our meeting point, bringing together ambitious entrepreneurs from both Australian coasts, serving as our "test kitchen" before expanding to Perth later in 2025.

The magic revealed itself in three distinct ways:

Quality Over Quantity

Instead of drowning my attendees in information, I distilled the content down to three core messages. Like a well-crafted song, it wasn't about how much we covered - it was about hitting the right notes. 

Live Coaching

Here's what surprised me most: the moments I feared might fall flat became the highlights. Live coaching sessions weren't just participated in - they were celebrated. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the best teaching happens in these spontaneous, real-world moments.

Clear Intentions

By being crystal clear about our focus - messaging and front-end marketing rather than technical details - we created a space where everyone could dive deep into what truly mattered.

Because growth is about honesty, here's what I'd do differently:

Strip It Back Even Further

Even with my intentional content curation, there was room to do less. Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens in the spaces between the content.

Energy Management: A Lesson In Timing

Scheduling the workshop right after a family holiday? Not my smartest move. It created a mental tug-of-war that didn't serve anyone. Note to self: clear space, clear mind.

The Power of the Close

When it came to the final pitch, fatigue had crept in. It was a reminder that endings deserve their own energy, their own space to breathe and land with impact.

These insights aren't just notes in my journal - they're the building blocks for what's next. For those in Perth eager to join this journey of in-person connection and transformation, I'm already envisioning our next gathering.

What I know now is this: the magic doesn't just happen in the planning or the perfect execution - it happens in the genuine moments of connection, in the courage to try something new, and in the wisdom to learn from every experience.

Connect with Ellie: 

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I recently attended a mastermind at a beautiful retreat in New South Wales, where I had the privilege of spending time with a bunch of top-tier online entrepreneurs. I was in awe of these incredible humans whose outlooks on life and business were not only inspiring, but transformative for me. 

These 7 and 8 figure online entrepreneurs have carved out their niches, successfully designing businesses that serve the lives they truly wish to live. Today, I’m sharing some of the biggest insights and aha moments I gained from my time with them:  

- The Power of Choice: Crafting Your Ideal Workday: "How many hours do you want to work each day?" This question really revolutionised my approach. I realised it isn’t about what's possible; it's about what I want and simply making that happen - reshaping my work around my ideal life rather than the reverse. 

- Anchoring in Purpose: The "Why" That Drives Success: What truly sets these successful entrepreneurs apart is their unwavering commitment to something greater than just running a business. They are driven by a deeper mission—a purpose that resonates with others. I was reminded to infuse my “why” into everything I do, ensuring that regardless of changing tides.

- Pragmatism Over Analysis: Solving the Right Problems: What does it look like to view your business through a more pragmatic lens, rather than a mindset one? My takeaway with this one is that success and pragmatism are siblings. Instead of mulling over the possibilities, decisions are made, strategies set, movements executed. It’s a powerful stance: look at what needs solving and simply do it.

I hope these insights spark a new way for you to view your business, encouraging you to live and work with intentionality and clarity. Here’s to crafting not just a successful business, but a life that deeply resonates with your core values.

Connect with Ellie: 

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I first shared this episode back in 2022, which was just after GDP fell in the first two quarters of the year post covid. Now, we've just had JP Morgan share that the chances of a recession have increased to 60% in the wake of Trump's tariffs.

This is likely to bring about a lot of fear inducing content about what this all means for your business. So, I'm here to remind you, 2025 gets to be a great year for you in business, even if there is some economic turbulence. 

This episode is just as relevant now as it was when it was first released so, even if this is your second time listening, I know there will be so many great takeaways for you today.

------

I wanted to speak about what I’m seeing and what I believe to be the best approach to take in navigating an impending recession. 

In this episode, I’m sharing a series of recommendations and considerations to help you look at your business from every angle and solidify what it is you do, why you do it and also speak to the fear that can surround financial uncertainty.

I share some questions to ask yourself about your ideal client, becoming crystal clear on your messaging and looking at why your product or service is essential to them. I also discuss how thought leadership becomes so important right now, as your clients will be seeking safety and security and looking to you for clarity on what to do during this time. 

Get your pen and paper out for this one as I’m sure you’ll want to take some notes and start mapping out a plan or strategy to drive your business forward. I truly believe that your business can continue to thrive, even during times of financial uncertainty.

Connect with Ellie: 

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I truly believe that we are in the greatest shift in work since the industrial revolution. AI has completely changed the game and as coaches, mentors, and consultants, we have a choice: Stay ahead of the curve or be left behind.

That’s not at all to bring any sense of fear mongering because my perspective is that as we embrace AI in our businesses, we are saying yes to the opportunity to evolve and expand. In saying that, we do need to be intentional about how we go about it. 

Here are five key strategies to futureproof your business with AI in 2025 and beyond. 

1. Incorporate AI Imperfectly

For some, the concept of AI is overwhelming but let me assure you, perfection isn't necessary. AI is evolving rapidly and trying to build perfect systems could lead to constant and frustrating updates. Instead, focus on building your AI literacy, experimenting with different prompts and integrations and teaching your clients to do the same. This way, you can continue to adapt alongside advancements without becoming overwhelmed.

2. Double Down on Your Uniquely Human Edge

We all have access to the same information. Therefore, it’s now more than ever that your emotional intelligence, intuition, and storytelling are your defining traits. This is where your personal brand gets to shine because humans crave connection with other humans. By honing your unique skills, you'll create meaningful relationships with your audience that AI simply cannot replace.

3. Audit and Reinvent Your Offers

If your courses or programs are easily replicated by AI, it's time to reconsider what you have on offer. Double down on the things that AI can’t replicate - those high-touch personalised services, community components, and unique insights. People are looking for that human connection within their purchases, so emphasise the human elements to remain indispensable.

4. Position Yourself as a Guide, Not Just a Guru

AI can dish out answers, sure. But, it can’t walk with your clients through the nuances of implementation, mindset shifts, and personal challenges. As a guide, your role is more than just providing solutions; it's about supporting your clients with empathy and personalised insights on their journeys. 

5. Get Curious, Not Threatened

With AI in the picture, it's easy to feel intimidated—but I encourage you to replace fear with curiosity. Ask how AI can simplify your work instead of fixating on what it might take from you. Futureproofing your business means embracing technology with optimism and recognising its potential to aid in expansion and abundance.

The landscape is changing rapidly but instead of being scared of how that might impact your business, I hope this episode inspires you to think about how AI can help you grow and expand in ways that previously weren’t possible. I’d love to hear your thoughts and what lands for you. Come connect with me on Instagram and send me a DM.

Connect with Ellie: 

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

 There are so many things required from us as women in this modern life, that it’s possible you need a reminder: the whole point of scalable freedom in your business means that you get to create something incredible in your business alongside having an incredible life. 

And that means we need to constantly check in and reimagine what it looks like to show up in our business – without tapping into old industrial revolution stories about how we need to work. Today, I’m sharing my insights on how I've successfully integrated a 4 day work week model into my own business through a mastermind framework. 

Strategies for a Successful Four-Day Work Week

Let's talk strategy. Moving to a 4 day work week wasn’t about doing less; it was about doing things more efficiently. I’ve adopted several strategies that keep me laser-focused and ensure that my productivity remains high:

1. Prioritising What Matters: My time has become incredibly precious, especially with my daughter involved. I’m extremely discerning about how I spend each moment. If something doesn’t feel worth missing time with Sunny, it doesn’t make the cut.

2. Embracing Deep Work: Tools like the Opal app have been game-changers. By blocking social media during evenings and mornings, I’ve carved out space for deep, uninterrupted work. This focus not only improves productivity but also the quality of work I produce.

3. Communication and Boundaries: Clear communication with my team is vital. Everyone knows I don’t work Fridays, so tasks need to be completed by Thursday afternoon. This clarity ensures that my workweek flows smoothly and that my team can function effectively without my constant availability.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

The beauty of running a mastermind model is its flexibility. Even within my structured workdays, I still find time to show up for my clients, attend to essential tasks and focus on my family. Life calls for us to wear many hats, whether it’s being a parent, a business owner, or a friend. This model allows me to honour each of those roles without spreading myself too thin.

Reimagining What Success Looks Like for You

As we move through Q2, I want to encourage you to reflect on what success looks like for your business. Could a 4 day work week enhance your life too? Remember, life and business shouldn't be a relentless hustle. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you have the freedom to enjoy your life and the satisfaction of running a flourishing business.

I’m excited about the growth this approach can create, should you choose it—not only in your productivity, but in the time and quality you give to your life and loved ones. 

Connect with Ellie: 

Previous episode mentioned: How I Structure my days, weeks and months as a CEO of a mastermind business model and mama"

Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2024): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

Website:      https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:   @elliehswift

Facebook Group:    www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/