By Ellie Swift
5
1919 ratings
The podcast currently has 210 episodes available.
Stepping back into the business world after maternity leave felt like I was re-entering from another dimension. These last few months have been an unexpected masterclass on life and business, and I’m thrilled to share these transformative lessons with you today!
But first, let me give you a bit of a personal update: Sunny, my lovely daughter, is now over three months old, and adjusting to motherhood has been both challenging and rewarding, more so than I ever imagined. The natural trepidation about balancing my role as a CEO and a mother has now settled, and I'm confident in my ability to juggle both roles magnificently.
Less Worry, More Focus: One of the most striking lessons I've learned is how my perspective on worries and challenges has shifted. Before Sunny arrived, I often found myself preoccupied with aspects of my business that I couldn't control, like client retention or the precise implementation of strategies. Now, those concerns seem trivial. My focus has realigned towards things that genuinely matter and that I have control over, like ensuring my clients have the best strategies and experiences. This shift has made me a more effective coach and strategist.
The Power of Stepping Back: Initially, I worried that stepping back from the business for three months would leave me feeling behind. Surprisingly, the opposite proved true. Distance from the daily grind allowed me to assess the industry with a fresh, clear lens. It has shown me the importance of not being overly immersed, as it can often stifle creativity. By stepping back, I could see where I had been giving away my creative power, and it rejuvenated my approach to business strategy.
Value-Driven Business: During my time away, I became acutely aware of how deeply I respect and align with my clients' values. I work with women whose opinions I value, who operate at high levels of intelligence, and who live intentionally. This break helped me reaffirm my desire to work with clients who share my values of family focus, impact, and a discerning approach to business. It's about finding clients whose principles resonate deeply with mine.
From Scarcity to Abundance: For the past few years, especially while trying to conceive Sunny, I had slipped into the mindset of ensuring 'just enough' – just enough money, just enough clients, just enough time. I didn’t realise how much this scarcity thinking weighed me down. Maternity leave was a revelation; it became clear that I can thrive genuinely and fully in both my roles as a mother and a CEO. The belief that becoming a mother would limit my capacity was entirely unfounded. Today, I embrace an abundance mindset, recognising that I can do more, be more, and hold more than ever before.
Balancing Work and Motherhood: Returning to work presented its challenges and triumphs. My schedule now includes dedicated days for work and family, supported by my partner, Che, my mother, and an incredible nanny. Despite the chaos and adjustments, this balance allows me to be present for Sunny while continuing to grow and nurture my business.
I’m immensely grateful to be back, sharing this space with you. Whether you’re in a similar season of life or a completely different phase, I hope these reflections provide some inspiration. Let’s continue to grow, learn, and support each other through every chapter.
Love,
Ellie
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
Picture this: You’re an incredibly talented entrepreneur with unique insights and valuable expertise, but no one knows your name. Frustrating, isn’t it? That’s where today’s guest host Kerry Rowett found herself—until she decided to change the game.
Kerry is an Intuitive Business Energetics Mentor who works with highly successful entrepreneurs. In her Mastermind and 1:1 sessions Kerry helps her clients to clarify what they want and their aligned pathway to creating that. Kerry provides the Business energetics, healing & psychology support they require to get out of their own way so they can achieve their goals and then dream bigger.
Are you curious how Kerry broke out of obscurity and cemented herself as a thought leader in her industry? Don’t worry! Today she’s sharing her journey and breaking it down into three actionable steps you can take to do the same.
1. Know Your Clients More Intimately Than Their Best Friend
The first step to standing out in your industry is to understand your clients better than anyone else, even their best friend! Kerry’s method involves in-depth target market research, which includes surveys, polls, and analysing client calls to identify key themes and issues. This deep understanding allows you to refine your signature framework and tailor your services to meet your clients' specific needs
2. Find Your Secret Ingredient That Gets You Known and Paid
Creating a distinct identity in your industry involves finding your unique ingredients. For Kerry this meant evolving her business, which originally centred around the concept of alignment, to better match her clients' needs by integrating business energetics, healing, and psychology. She recommends creating distinctive processes, tools, and models that make your work recognisable, and consistently innovating your approach to stay relevant.
3. Amplify Beyond Your Own Networks
Finally, to establish yourself as a thought leader, you need to reach beyond your bubble and engage with the broader industry. Have conversations with other experts, publish influential content, and become part of larger discussions. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will recognise and respect you.
So, if you’re feeling invisible and undervalued, take Kerry’s story to heart. By following the steps she shared, you can increase your rates, increase demand, and ultimately become one of the leaders in your industry
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Kerry
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kerryrowett
Website: http://alignandattract.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/align-attract/id1547065734
Previous Episode from Ellie's podcast: The 'Secret' Ingredient to Standing Out Online: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-secret-ingredient-to-standing-out-online/id1526779357?i=1000569694236
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
What’s your relationship with money?
If someone were to take a look at your credit card or bank statement, would they be able to tell what your true priorities in life are?
Perhaps they’d find money is being spent by default in a way that doesn't put an emphasis on what you say truly matters. That would no doubt be true for a lot of us.
This week on the podcast, we welcome guest host Katy Almstrom, a leading money mentor and wealth coach, teacher and speaker who helps ambitious women achieve financial freedom.
With over a decade of experience in teaching and coaching combined with her own debt-free and simplified life, Katy provides a unique service for her clients to help them slow down, map out their own joyful wealth-building journey, and create a life that has WAY less stress around money.
Katy is an expert on how to refocus in order to gain control over your finances, run your business in a way that’s true to you and make the most revenue in the least amount of time.
Today, she shares three specific lessons she learnt about managing money from building her own successful mastermind:
If you're feeling stuck, tired or overwhelmed right with your money or your business, take these insights from Katy to heart and know that there are simple steps you can take to achieve the time and financial freedom you’re dreaming of.
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Katy
Instagram: @katy_almstrom
Website: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/
Messy to Magnetic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/messy-to-magnetic/id1594671912
FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
When life as an entrepreneur feels like juggling a million different tasks, how do you successfully maintain harmony between work and personal life - all while continuing to see growth in your business?
Our guest host today, Karen Aird, has not only mastered this balance but has actually doubled her business revenue along the way.
She describes co-founding urban retreat Clear Mind Studio with her husband Craig in 2008 as a personal quest to help others reduce stress and find peace and balance in a fast paced, constantly evolving world.
Whether it's unwinding after a hectic week or seeking time out from life's challenges, Karen’s journey towards peace in her business has been incredible - and just like for many of us, filled with lots of challenges, triumphs and failures along the way.
In this episode, Karen shares her learnings from the five strategic changes she made to free up time and take her business to new heights:
1. Implementing AI for Client Management
2. Utilising Asana for Team Communication
3. Planning Marketing Campaigns in Advance
4. Overstaffing, Outsourcing and Clear Role Allocation
5. Implementing a Customer Loyalty Program
By implementing these strategic changes, Karen and Craig have drastically transformed Clear Mind Studio. These modifications freed up their time, allowing them to seize opportune moments for growth—such as opening their second studio in Fremantle, WA.
Their ability to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in daily operations has been instrumental, and shows how the right strategies can make all the difference in transforming your business dreams into reality.
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Karen
Instagram: @clearmindstudio
Website: https://www.clearmindstudio.com/
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
Have you ever felt the strain of balancing your business ambitions with your personal well-being? Imagine if you could have both—success and freedom. Well, it’s not an easy task, but today’s guest host Mia Poklepovich has made it her reality.
As a mental health occupational therapist, she knows how difficult it can be to prioritise your own needs in a service-based business. Struggling with burnout, Mia knew she needed a change and went on a journey to create a thriving, impactful business without sacrificing her well-being. She’s here today to share the strategies and mindset shifts that made it possible. Ready to be inspired? You’re in the right place!
Lesson 1: Permission to Create a Freedom-Based Business
Mia’s first lesson is that you need to give yourself permission to build a freedom-based business. This was challenging for Mia at the beginning and she still falls into old habits from time to time, but she has a secret weapon! Look at what your end goal is, and work backward from there. This way, every opportunity and decision can be checked against your overarching goal, ensuring it aligns with your freedom-based strategy.
Lesson 2: Protecting Your Energy as a CEO
Mia’s second lesson is the importance of protecting your energy, a lesson that rings especially true in the demanding field of health and wellness. As business owners, we often put ourselves last, looking after our clients, team, and community first. However, Mia stresses that to help others effectively, you must take care of yourself first. This might mean saying no, delegating tasks, or taking the necessary rest time.
Lesson 3: Trusting Yourself
Mia’s final and maybe most important lesson is that we need to trust ourselves. Scaling a business brings on lots of uncertainties and new challenges. If you can’t trust yourself, you won't be able to make hard decisions when it matters. Mia advises gathering all necessary data and knowledge to understand where the fear is coming from, whether it's an old core belief or the natural anxiety of trying something new. By breaking down your fears and understanding their origins, you empower yourself to move past them.
So, if you're looking to transform your therapy practice or any business into a freedom-based model, take a leaf out of Mia’s book. Give yourself permission to live and work freely, protect your energy, and trust yourself. The journey won’t get easier, but you will become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Mia:
Instagram: @ot_inspire_therapy
Instagram: @miapoko
Website: https://www.otinspire.com.au/
Freedom Therapist Club: https://otinspireaustralia.mykajabi.com/The-Freedom-Therapist-Club
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
Building a successful business is no small feat, especially when juggling family responsibilities and personal aspirations.
Just ask this week’s guest host, Jacqui Naunton who went from graphic design freelancer to running a six-figure business with multiple revenue streams, all while juggling the demands of motherhood. Today she’s sharing her remarkable journey, and the strategies and mindset shifts that fuelled her success. Ready to be inspired?
Jacqui began her career as a graphic designer and was just swapping time for money. This strategy worked well for her, until she started considering motherhood and realised she needed a more scalable, flexible approach. This is where I came in and encouraged her to create an online course.
Now the leap from graphic designer to course creator wasn’t seamless. She struggled with imposter syndrome, and the idea of upsetting other graphic designers but she knew that the gap in the market needed to be filled.
Business owners were already attempting to DIY their graphics using tools like Canva, often with mediocre results. Jacqui’s course offered them a chance to create professional designs without the hefty price tag of hiring a designer.
One powerful lesson from Jacqui's journey is the importance of setting high goals. Early in her coaching journey with me, she had modest expectations for her first online course. With some encouragement, she stretched her target to 55 students—and astonishingly, she hit that exact number.
So, if you’re setting goals for your business, I encourage you to ask yourself, "Is this the goal, or can I aim higher?" The objective isn't to tie your self-worth to these targets but to give yourself something tangible to strive for.
Something else that has really helped Jacqui’s journey was building a supportive team for herself. She realised that to grow her business sustainably, she couldn't do it all herself. She hired a virtual assistant, video editor, and multiple designers. Although this meant a smaller profit margin, it allowed her to focus on her priorities, ensuring her business ran smoothly while she spent valuable time with her family.
The Power of Branding
As a graphic designer, Jacqui knows the importance of strong branding, that goes beyond just the aesthetics. Branding is a powerful tool for connecting with your ideal audience and conveying your business's values. For Jacqui, her brand as the girl in the purple jacket reflects her values of fun, inspiration, and empowerment. This consistency in branding has made her business recognisable and trustworthy, enhancing her professional image and attracting ideal clients.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, consider how Jacqui’s lessons can apply to your business. What goals will you set higher today? How will you adapt your business to fit your life? I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve.
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Jacqui:
Instagram: @whitedeerGD
Website: https://whitedeer.com.au/
Podcast: The Seriously in Business Podcast
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
In the wild ride that is entrepreneurship, the ability to pivot when necessary is an absolute game-changer.
However, the idea of shaking things up can feel much too risky - especially when it comes to continuing to generate revenue.
But is it possible to shift gears without losing your hard-earned momentum?
Today’s guest host is here to answer that question for you! Robyn Birkin is an online business strategist who helps female service providers and course creators create a six and multi-six-figure business in part-time hours with just one front-facing signature program.
Once a well-recognised life coach for women navigating infertility, Robyn made a gutsy decision to flip her business focus on its head. Now, as a thriving online business strategist, she’s sharing her secrets on how to keep the money rolling in—even when you’re making a radical shift in your business.
Embracing the Pivot
Robyn believes that pivoting shouldn’t just be about chasing more money—it's about aligning your work with your values and long-term goals. She encourages us as entrepreneurs to get real with ourselves. Ask yourself the question: Does my current business align with what I want my legacy to be? Am I genuinely passionate about it? If the answers are no, it might be time for a big change.
The Decision-Making Framework
To help others navigate this challenging territory, Robyn developed an effective decision-making framework. At its core, it’s all about ensuring your business aligns with your goals and values. She believes the key is in being honest with yourself about what excites you and what doesn’t.
One of the hardest but most crucial steps is being willing to ‘slingshot’—taking a step back temporarily to make a more significant leap forward. This might mean letting go of a part of your business that no longer fits, even if it’s currently bringing in revenue.
5 Key Strategies for Generating Revenue During a Pivot
So what are some practical ways to continue to make money during a radical change in your business? Robyn shares the strategies that worked for her that will give you the confidence to brave a pivot:
1. Double Down on What's Worked
2. Create Growth, Nurture and Conversion Content
3. Rely on Data
4. Balance Marketing and Sales Efforts
5. Constantly Refine Messaging
Being a CEO sometimes means making hard decisions and pushing through the discomfort to get to your true purpose. But waiting for you on the other side is that deeply fulfilling life and career you set out to create in the first place.
LINKS
The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Robyn:
Instagram: @robynbirkin
Website: https://robynbirkin.com/
Podcast: Signature Online Course Secrets
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
Running a business can feel like a juggling act, especially when you're managing the demands of work and family life.
Today’s guest host, Bec Cuzzillo knows this struggle all too well, but, through strategic planning and intentional decision-making, she was able to find the balance.
Bec is a Spiritual Business Coach for spiritual women ready to scale their impact, create confident cash, and step into the highest vision for their life and business. As a fiery Aries mama of 2, Bec built a scalable business model that thrives alongside her busy family life. Join us as we unpack her strategies and learn how to build a business that adapts to your unique needs.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Years ago, when she became a new mother, Bec realised her business was spread too thin across multiple areas. Recognising the need for change, she narrowed her focus to the things that truly brought in revenue or value. Here is her advice for other business owners:
Strategy Matters
After you’ve simplified, the next step is focusing on strategy! To do this you need a good understanding of who your client is and exactly how you serve them. Consider the following questions:
Designing a Self-Centric Business Model
Bec’s final pillar for creating a scalable business model is to align your business with your needs and desires. You didn’t start your business to feel trapped in another 9-to-5 grind, so take the time and set it up to serve you. If you’re not sure how to do this, reflecting on these questions is a good place to start:
Building a scalable, adaptable business model is not just a dream – it’s entirely possible with intentional decisions and consistent effort. So, take a leaf out of Bec’s book and start rethinking your business model today. What can you simplify? Where can you get more strategic? And most importantly, how can you design a business that truly works for you?
LINKS
Connect with Bec Cuzzillo
Website: https://www.beccuzzillo.com
Podcast: Feminine Fire
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
For those of you who may not know, I’ve just welcomed my beautiful baby girl, Sunnie Marg Robinson, into the world. From unexpected challenges to moments of pure joy, this experience has reshaped my perspective on life and business. So, I’m taking a quick break from my maternity leave to share with you my birth story and the incredible mindset lessons it taught me.
Our journey began months before Sunnie arrived. At around 25 to 30 weeks, we discovered she was breech. Though I tried everything from inversions and acupuncture to chiropractics and moxibustion to flip her, Sunnie was steadfast in her position. This initial phase tested my mindset significantly, especially my preparation for a C-section, scheduled for the 11th of July—interestingly at 11:11 AM. Yet, just four days before the planned C-section, Sunnie miraculously flipped!
While I had mentally prepared for a c-section, I was overjoyed that I could return to my original plan of a vaginal birth. This experience reminded me of the immense power of mindset flexibility, where embracing uncertainty and adapting to changes became paramount.
The next two weeks were an excruciating yet exhilarating waiting game for natural labour to kick in. My heart was set on avoiding induction, so every waking moment was spent walking, eating dates, and doing stretches, all while hoping to trigger spontaneous labour. Just one day before my scheduled induction, labour finally began with a stretch and sweep, igniting contractions almost immediately.
Affirmations and breathing techniques were my lifelines. I was deeply rooted in calmness, thanks to hypnobirthing preparations. As contractions intensified, my partner Chay’s whispered affirmations anchored me: "You're so powerful," "Your body was made to do this," and "You've got this." These affirmations were soothing and reinforced my belief in my capabilities. They also reflected the mindset strategies I have long applied in business.
Arriving at the hospital at 2 AM, I was prepared for the next phase. Asking for an epidural became a saga of its own, extending over two grueling hours due to an emergency C-section elsewhere. This unexpected delay pushed my mindset to its limits. I found myself physically and mentally shaken, but Chay's unwavering support helped me re-anchor into my strength.
The key lesson here is knowing you can go further than you think possible. In business and life, we set boundaries for ourselves, but often, we are capable of much more when pushed to our edges.
During the final stages of labour involving pushing and crowning, I realised the importance of support. Surrounded by an amazing medical team and listening to our birthing playlist, I felt an overwhelming sense of empowerment. Even when a final push required additional assistance with a vacuum because of Sunnie’s large head size, I didn’t feel defeated. Instead, I felt an immense gratitude for the support that ensured a safe delivery.
As I looked into Sunnie’s eyes for the first time, I felt an immense wave of gratitude and growth. Each step of labour taught me lessons about strength, patience, and the importance of mental preparedness. I hope that my experiences resonate with you and provide some insights into the incredible power of the human mind during life’s most challenging moments.
LINKS
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
Are you ready to elevate your launch to the next level?
You’re in the right place because that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Scalable Freedom! Today’s guest host Ana Lilia shares what it takes to have a successful and fun launch for your upcoming program. Spoiler alert: it involves both data and energetics.
Ana is a celebrated manifestation, mindset coach, and healer. She is passionate about helping people tap into their full potential by using their breath as a powerful transformative tool. Ana's expertise lies in assisting individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and aligning themselves with their deepest goals and desires. Her unique approach to healing and transformation has made her a sought-after coach and mentor in the wellness community. She is also the host of the podcast Breathe More.
During a launch period, our doubts and insecurities will often bubble to the surface. This can be difficult and its why Ana believes energetics – our emotional and vibrational state – is a key ingredient for a successful launch. Everything in this world carries an energetic imprint, including how we show up in our sales copy and Instagram posts. With the right tools, we can manage our energy and maintain a confident mindset throughout a launch.
In Ana’s recent launch for the Soulful Entrepreneur Mentorship, she combined her energetic practices with data analysis. By keeping track of everything, she was able to make informed decisions and fine-tune her strategy in real-time. For instance, tweaking the headline of an opt-in page based on data insights led to higher conversion rates. Another big factor in Ana's success was conducting market research before the launch. This meant reaching out to ten ideal clients and asking them about the challenges they were facing. With this feedback, Ana was able to create a lead generator perfectly tailored to her dream client.
Ana provides several actionable tips for having a successful launch:
1. Set Clear Intentions: Before you start, make sure you’re clear about your goals, from how you want to feel, to how much you want to make, to what clients you want. Visualise and immerse yourself in the success of your launch.
2. Incorporate Healing and Somatic Tools: Launching can be stressful and it’s easy to fall into catastrophic thoughts or dysregulation. Tools like breathwork or visualisation exercises can help us stay regulated, confident, and on track. It’s also important to include fun activities in your schedule to stay grounded and positive.
3. Analyse Data Regularly: Check your analytics daily. This helps you make real-time adjustments and keeps your strategy on track.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Just posting on social media isn’t enough, you need to engage personally with your audience. Reach out through private DMs or emails to build a connection. In my launch, I found that personalised voice memos made a huge impact.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Continuously reflect on your energy and data and make adjustments to keep yourself on track. Stay grounded, manage self-doubt, and remember your past successes to keep moving forward.
Energetics and data are both powerful tools on their own, but combining them is where the magic happens. By following Ana’s approach—setting clear intentions, using somatic tools, analysing data, engaging actively with the audience, and maintaining a reflective practice—entrepreneurs can navigate their launch with confidence and achieve their desired outcomes.
LINKS
Resources Mentioned: The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook
Connect with Ana Lilia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ana_lilia
Podcast: https://www.analilia.net/podcast
Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswift
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
The podcast currently has 210 episodes available.
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