I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of stories about less-than-desirable mastermind experiences. Unfortunately, these poorly delivered masterminds have given our industry a bad rap, and while I'm not one to gossip, I've got a personal story to share that I believe holds some crucial lessons. In this episode, I’m talking about the time I signed up to a terrible mastermind and share with you the valuable lessons I learnt from the experience.

Around two years ago, I decided to join a mastermind that turned out to be the worst financial investment I've ever made - and somehow also NOT the worst. While I had been running my own masterminds for a couple of years, I decided to join another program to gain a fresh perspective and continue improving my own offerings. And boy, did I learn a thing or two!

From basically being ghosted by the person running the mastermind to being incorrectly charged hundreds of dollars, this mastermind came with a significant number of red flags. The overall lack of engagement and support left me feeling invisible and disheartened. I weighed up whether or not to request a refund, but eventually decided to stick with it. And I can honestly say I’m glad I did. 

My experience in this mastermind was far from ideal, but it had a silver lining. It reinforced my belief in the importance of delivering exceptional value and support to my own mastermind participants. It also drove home the significance of effective communication and genuine care for clients. 

After a truly disappointing experience, I was proud of the systems and processes in my own mastermind model and became even more confident in what I had to offer to my valued clients. I take you through the lessons I learnt and encourage you to take them on board for yourself, whether you’re running a mastermind, looking to start one or interested in becoming a participant. 



If you’ve had a bad mastermind experience, I absolutely feel you. However, if we can take our negative experiences and turn them into good, our industry and the lives of those we serve will only become better for it. 

LINKS:

Connect with Ellie: 

Doors are now open for The Mastermind Model. Join here 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

I’m delighted to introduce you to my incredible guest today, Emma Green, the founder of Your CEO Mentor and an absolute powerhouse in the leadership and coaching space. We’re talking today about Emma’s experience building a million-dollar mastermind arm of her business. Emma's insights into creating, selling, and delivering her mastermind are invaluable, and in this episode, she walks us through the steps that led to her impressive business growth.

After recognising a need to diversify the product suite in her business, Emma found my podcast and quickly signed up for The Mastermind Model. We talk about how this experience impacted the development of her mastermind and the importance of focusing on the outcomes and benefits rather than getting lost in the nuts and bolts of a mastermind program. 

One of the burning questions around masterminds is their profitability. Emma generously discusses the profitability of her mastermind model, breaking down the costs, highlighting the minimal overhead expenses and how a well-structured mastermind can yield a gross margin of over 50%. Emma also projects the potential for her mastermind to become a million-dollar product in the near future.

A key contributor to Emma’s mastermind success is her customer-centric approach. She explains the significance of tailoring the mastermind experience to her clients' needs and creating a seamless transition within her product stack. Her ability to adapt the delivery process based on feedback and evolving client requirements is a testament to her commitment to providing immense value. 

An element that many business owners gloss over is the importance of tailoring a mastermind to your ideal client. And because Emma did this, selling it was a no brainer. Emma shares how minimal sales and marketing efforts were needed because she already had an established client base who trusted her, knowing that anything she delivered would be worth signing up for.

Emma’s journey into a profitable mastermind showcases the transformative power of this business model. Her dedication to delivering value and her focus on the customer experience are key takeaways for anyone looking to venture into the world of masterminds. I know you’re going to get so much value from this conversation. 

LINKS:

Previous episode mentioned:

The Timeline + Income Metrics Of How I Scaled With Masterminds (That I've Never Shared Before)

Connect with Emma and Your CEO Mentor:

Website: https://www.yourceomentor.com/

Podcast: No Bullsh!t Leadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourceomentor/

Connect with Ellie: 

Doors are now open for The Mastermind Model. Join here 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jess Miller and Sam Dhu, the dynamic duo behind the Slow Mastermind. Together, Sam and Jess created a program for the woman who desires richness and riches in her life and business. Unlike most masterminds that either support your heart or your head, Slow is a space where both are held, and one that encourages you to lead bravely for results in a way you never knew were possible. 

In our conversation, we delve into the creation process of the Slow Mastermind, the power of the Slow movement and the impressive results Jess and Sam achieved with their first-time launch.

Jess and Sam are no strangers to the world of business. After walking away from a multi-award-winning seven-figure business, Jess realised that success shouldn't come at the cost of her health, relationships and happiness. She redefined her definition of success, rooted in safety, simplicity and self-trust. Sam, a psychotherapist and advocate for being radically kind and compassionate to oneself, also identified the need for a different approach to business success.

Together, they created a method that challenges the fast-paced, instant gratification mindset prevalent in the industry and offers a more intentional and sustainable approach to business growth. With an extensive creation process, Jess and Sam take us through the steps of working on the foundations of their program, including the deep understanding they gained of their ideal clients through thorough market research. 

Not only did Sam and Jess approach the creation process with intentionality and vulnerability, they played to their strengths, leveraging their unique perspectives and expertise. For instance, while Sam excelled at Instagram and content creation, Jess brought her strategic mindset and writing skills to the table. We hear about how their ability to be deeply honest with each other created a safe space for collaboration and growth.

We hear about their unique approach to selling the mastermind, which included creating their podcast The Slow Down. In these conversations, Jess and Sam were able to share honestly and allowed listeners to get to know who they were and what they were all about. They share how the gentle approach was key in engaging potential customers, and how resisting pressuring people nurtured important connections with their ideal clients. 



Sam and Jess’s unique method to creating masterminds is truly inspiring, and I hope that you’re as encouraged as I was to embrace your own authenticity in creating an offering that resonates with your audience in the most soulful way. 

LINKS:

Connect with Sam and Jess:

Website: theslowmastermind.com/apply

Podcast: https://theslowmastermind.com/theslowdown 

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:   @elliehswift

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

Today I’m joined by special guest, Pandora Paloma, a brilliant visibility and business mastery coach who uses a unique blend of strategy and spirituality. Drawing on her 20-plus years of experience in communication, Pandora has built her own successful multi six-figure business and is on a mission to help female entrepreneurs create next-level success. In this episode, we dive into how Pandora has leveraged the power of masterminds to transform her business and live a life of abundance.

Starting out in the entrepreneurial space as an intuitive eating and living coach, Pandora sensed a shift in her own path after publishing a book whilst on maternity leave. She sensed that this signalled the end of a chapter for her business, and soon became regularly approached for her business advice. 

This led Pandora to combine her many years’ experience in marketing and strong desire to help women build wealth, and saw her transition into business coaching. With a strong focus on visibility and conscious leadership, Pandora works to bring energetics to the business space and support women to access their own magnetism. 

What makes Pandora's mastermind model remarkable is its simplicity. She breaks down her approach into three distinct masterminds—the Magnetic Business Method, The Expansion Accelerator, and Expand to Seven Figures. These masterminds serve as strategic touchpoints, designed to guide entrepreneurs at different stages of their journeys.

Pandora shares with us her mantra "everything leads to the masterminds", a simple yet powerful principle ensuring a steady baseline of revenue. She shares how this mindset supports her to scale her business up or down, providing her with the the freedom to travel, co-parent and curate her life while serving her clients at various stages.

We talk through the practical strategies Pandora implements in her masterminds, including her approach to adjusting enrollments, using targeted ads and simplifying the conversion process. We learn about how her masterminds are not just about business growth; they are about life transformation, empowerment, and the creation of a more inclusive and diverse business landscape.

So, if you’re looking for guidance on scaling your business while also creating a life of freedom and flexibility, this episode is for you. I know Pandora’s incredible insight will add so much value as you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey to success .

LINKS:

Connect with Pandora:

Instagram: @pandorapaloma

Website: www.pandorapaloma.com 

Masterminds: www.pandorapaloma.com/masterminds 

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

When it comes to the mastermind industry, we see far too many disgruntled purchases or people disappointed in the experience they’ve paid for. They simply aren’t getting the value they hoped for or worse, aren’t even sure what exactly they’re getting when they sign up. 

Today, I'm taking you through the process of creating a best practice mastermind or group program so that you can offer an incredible mastermind experience to your ideal clients. 

Firstly, I delve into the nuances of group programs versus masterminds. Group programs are all about structured learning, with a defined curriculum guiding your clients from start to finish. On the flip side, masterminds encompass that curriculum aspect but go beyond—it's about fostering peer-to-peer relationships and community support, all with your guidance as the facilitator. 

So, what exactly constitutes a best practice mastermind, and how can you create one? It all starts with having a crystal-clear outcome for your ideal clients. You want them to know precisely what they'll achieve by joining your mastermind. I share examples of successful masterminds that boast specific outcomes and demonstrate how clarity in your messaging can attract the right people who align with your program.

To help you get clear on the best way to approach best practice, I start with sharing my tips on what NOT to do - things I have been guilty of doing in the past myself! Emulating someone else’s program or creating a mastermind that’s based on its marketing but has no substance is where we can often go wrong. 

I share with you the best possible ways to create or evolve a mastermind experience so that your clients get the most out of your offering and keep them coming back for more. I also take you through the "Five C's" that I teach in the mastermind model and break down each one so you can get clear on what a best practice mastermind experience truly comprises.

I also share the details of my upcoming FREE masterclass, Sold Out Masterminds, so be sure to click on the link below and secure your spot! The secrets I share have not only helped me sell out my masterminds every time but have also enabled me to build a business I'm truly passionate about. This really is possible for you, too! 

Happy listening!

LINKS:

Sold Out Masterminds masterclass

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

I’ve got a juicy episode for you today as I take you through the timeline and income metrics of how I scaled my business with masterminds over the last few years. Transitioning from a one-to-one business model to doubling down on masterminds has not only allowed me to grow my business in a remarkable way but it’s also freed up so much time and energy in my life. If you’ve been considering a shift in your business to a mastermind model, you’re going to find a lot of value here today.   

When I first went full-time in my business with a one-to-one coaching model, I was working tirelessly, feeling like I had no financial freedom to bring in additional support. I knew I needed to change something to scale my business and create more opportunities for growth because I wanted more freedom, both in terms of time and finances and I wanted to serve my clients better. That's when masterminds entered the picture.

In this episode, I talk about one of the core principles I've always adhered to, which is placing my clients at the centre of my business decisions. This client-centric approach led me to create a scalable model that not only served my interests but also enhanced my client experience, ultimately leading to sustainable growth. I firmly believe that this is the only way to successfully scale your business.

Then I dive into the details of my revenue from 2019 through to this year. I share all the figures and break down exactly how doubling down on masterminds grew my income exponentially. My journey is a testament to the incredible potential of masterminds in scaling a business and I am a big believer in maintaining a client-focused approach while continuously refining your business model. I hope this episode inspires you to consider how you might be able to scale your business with a “less is more” approach while enhancing your client experience at the same time.

LINKS:

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:   @elliehswift

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

I know that many entrepreneurs are in pursuit of the time and financial freedom a flourishing business can bring. But how do you build something that allows you the space to live a life you truly desire? 

In today’s episode, I take you through the key areas of business that I spend time on, and the ones I definitely DON’T, as a CEO of a mastermind business. 

Becoming mindful of where you spend your time is crucial. As we work to generate more freedom in our business, we first need to have an understanding of what it is we truly need to give our attention to, and the areas in which we should be spending less time. Not only will this be the best way to support you in retaining clients, but it will give you the tools to ensure your business continues to operate successfully year on year. 

Today I take you through the four key areas in my business that help me to continue delivering the highest-quality support to my clients: 

1. Module content creation
2. Hands-on coaching
3. Bespoke strategy development
4. Product refinement and feedback

I elaborate on each of these four points and the reasons I prioritise them over everything else to do with my business. As a CEO, knowing your strengths and where your responsibilities truly lie are crucial to maintain the high level of service you provide to your clients, as well as your team. 

Getting bogged down in areas of your business where your attention doesn’t belong is not only a catalyst for burnout, but can give your team a sense that you don’t fully believe in their capabilities. I run through the three areas where I purposefully don’t spend my time, and where I allow trust to flow throughout my business instead:

1. Administration within the masterminds
2. Micromanaging my support coaches
3. Worrying about the client experience 

Now, it’s not to say that I don’t think deeply and strategise about the above areas in my business. It’s that having the right structures, systems and processes in place to begin with means I can let go of the things which shouldn’t beg for my attention as CEO. 

Finding the right balance in where to invest your time and where to let go is a process, but I promise that once you find it, you’ll never look back! I hope that this episode really supports you to build the systems that will not only sustain your business, but help you shine on as you lead others on the path to success. 

Enjoy!

LINKS:

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:   @elliehswift

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

I’ve got a fun episode for you today with a slightly different format which I hope you’ll love. In celebration of my birthday week, I’m sharing with you 34 things I know about being a CEO at 34 years of age. 

The golden nuggets in this episode come from a combination of mindset, marketing and strategy lessons and tools that I've learned along the way as I've built my business. Having made multiple millions in my business at this point, these are some of the powerful insights I’ve discovered through leading a team, coaching hundreds of women and succeeding and falling down along the way. 

From the importance of setting boundaries and cultivating strong relationships to making money no matter how you feel, I know that this episode is going to speak to you no matter where you’re at in your business journey.  

All of these pieces of wisdom relate to my personal journey as a CEO, and I hope there will be inspiration here for you as you listen. I encourage you to absorb this episode into your heart and really receive it like a love letter from me to you. 



This episode is one you might want to come back to on days when you need a reminder that you get to go after your dreams and that although business can be hard, you've got this. 

LINKS:

Connect with Ellie: 

Join the Waitlist for The Mastermind Model here 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

As a business owner and coach, there is a lot of problem-solving to be done throughout my work day. Whether it’s helping my clients navigate unexpected situations in their business or maintaining the wellbeing of my own team, I’m generally offering a lot of support. So today I wanted to share the three very specific mindsets I swear by as I move through my day with confidence and success as a CEO. 

When it comes to facing unplanned challenges or navigating tricky situations, it’s natural for us to operate out of reactivity. We tend to catastrophise things, which can cause negative energy to transfer to our clients or team and cause unnecessary stress. 

I take you through each of the three mindsets I’ve adopted to help minimise panic and stress, to maintain health within my business and to operate as the best possible version of myself as a leader:

• Neutrality: This mindset revolves around the idea that nothing is ever a problem, and there’s nothing that can’t be fixed. Instead of becoming reactive when faced with challenges, neutrality allows me to approach them as opportunities to find solutions. This allows me to slow down, stay calm, prioritise and make rational decisions in an objective manner. When we stay neutral, it not only benefits our own nervous system, but creates a ripple effect on those in our proximity. 

• Simplicity: Now, I'll admit that I’m definitely not a natural when it comes to keeping things simple. However, it's a mindset I've cultivated over time, and simplifying my business model and strategies has been an absolute game-changer. By focusing on clear goals, eliminating distractions and streamlining processes, we create more opportunity to scale, to see revenue to grow and enhance our clients’ experience with us. 

• Self-Responsibility: I firmly believe that as a CEO, I'm responsible for everything that happens within my company. This mindset extends to all my actions and decisions, and while it sounds like this might add a whole lot of pressure, it in fact does quite the opposite. By knowing what I AM responsible for, I’ve become aware of what I am NOT. This means taking on less of my clients' issues, their decisions, and even the responsibilities of my own team members. Not only does this release me from taking on board others’ stress, it empowers my team and clients to take ownership of their own actions.

I hope this episode gives you some valuable insight into how I operate in my business, and that it empowers you to adopt your own strategies that will see your business move forward sustainably and with success. 



Enjoy!

LINKS:

Connect with Ellie: 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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

I'm thrilled to introduce you to today’s wonderful guest, Suzie Agelopoulos, an expert in the Airbnb business and wealth expansion. In our conversation, we delve into Suzie’s journey from working as a waitress to becoming a seven-figure entrepreneur in less than five years. We discuss changing belief systems around money, growing your wealth and how to manifest the life of your dreams.  

Suzie’s story is an incredibly inspiring one, where she went from making less than $60K a year in hospitality to building a six-figure Airbnb business in under two years. She talks about the low point in her life at age 34, triggered by feeling unfulfilled in her work, and the path she took to upturning her life to find her true calling. 

Quitting her waitressing job and embarking on a time of travel and soul-searching, Suzie had a chance encounter with a couple who were funding their own travels through a successful Airbnb rental. Their advice sparked her interest in the business model, which was fairly unheard of a decade ago. Suzie’s intuition drew her to spring into action and list her own rented apartment on the platform, which was an instant and surprising success. 

Suzie quickly replaced her income with her new business venture, and today she shares how her beliefs around money soon began to change. We discuss how our upbringing can often influence the way we think about our finances, and Suzie talks about eventually trusting her own inner knowing over the nay-saying advice of her family. We discuss rejecting our own limiting self-beliefs in order to unlock the potential that lies within each of us. 

Suzie’s success with her first Airbnb venture eventually led her to create multiple income streams, which now sees her living a life of limitless possibilities and financial freedom. She attributes her incredible accomplishments to the power of manifestation, and her consistent practice of calling her desires into being. We discuss the role astrology plays in both our lives, and how approaching it through a playful lens brings so much joy and inspiration to our business endeavours. 

The transformation Suzie has experienced in her business and personal life is such an awe-inspiring testament to the power of intuition, unwavering belief and the practice of manifestation. If you’re looking to break free from your own limitations and embrace new possibilities for your life and business, then you won’t want to miss this episode!

Enjoy!

LINKS:

CHANI astrology app

Personal branding and marketing summit

Connect with Suzie:

Website: https://suzieagelopoulos.com/ 

Instagram: @suzieaofficial

Connect with Ellie: 

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

Instagram:     @elliehswift

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