Twenty something Ella Sargent from Manawa Māori and Multi Agency explains how Gen Z entrepreneurs are doing things differently and what we can learn from them.

There’s a new kind of entrepreneur on the rise: one who doesn’t wait for permission, doesn’t follow the old rules, and isn’t afraid to experiment. They’re bold, values-driven, and unapologetically online.

That’s Gen Z.

And Ella Sargent is a shining example of what Gen Z entrepreneurship can look like in Aotearoa.

At just 20-something, Ella has built not one but two meaningful, growing businesses: Manawa Māori  (https://www.manawamaori.com/) and Multi Agency (https://www.multiagency.nz/) 🌿

 Her approach is refreshingly modern, unapologetically purpose-driven, and deeply rooted in her identity.

Let’s explore how Gen Z entrepreneurs are doing things differently.

Continue to read more at https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast148

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

In this episode, we delve into Lynda’s hard-learned lessons on how you can weather a downturn in business and come out stronger and better.

When the economy dipped and customers disappeared, Lynda McGregor from the Little Bread Loaf bakery https://littlebreadloaf.co.nz found strength in her roots, and baked her way forward. 🍞

From Chutney to Bakery: Lynda’s Story 

It all started with a jar of chutney.

Several years ago, Lynda McGregor started foraging and preserving to get her through some personal tough times. Little did she know this simple idea would sparked something bigger for her. Her homemade preserves gained a loyal following, and before long, the Little Bread Loaf bakery was born. 🥖

Today, Little Bread Loaf is one of Wellington’s hidden gems. With a shopfront in Alicetown, a cosy cafe near the airport, stalls at local markets, and a growing wholesale arm, it’s become a staple for locals and a reflection of the woman behind it. ☕🧺

But it’s not your average croissant and cupcake bakery.

A proud wahine Māori, she weaves manaakitanga (support), whanaungatanga (community), and tikanga (customs) into every part of the experience. 🌿

From her famous rewena bread (the only traditionally made commercial version in Wellington!) to her cinnamon buns and hangi pies, Lynda’s menu blends classic European bakery vibes with Indigenous flavour.

The most important ingredient: authenticity. 

How to Weather a Downturn in Business: One Baker’s Reality Check 

But, you would be deceived if you thought Lynda’s story is a fairy tale. The last 12 months have been pretty rough on most New Zealand business. Lynda’s bakery was no exception. Like most, she has faced some serious challenges that took her all the way to the edge of the abyss.

“I’m an add-on business. At the moment, people don’t need a cinnamon bun. They need carrots and onions.” 

With her customer base largely made up of Wellington public servants, many of whom are now facing redundancy, spending habits have shifted. Essentials come first. Indulgences, like baked treats, are the first to go.

But, here’s the good news, Lynda turned it around.

So, if you too are going through some scary times, you’re not alone.

Continued at: https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast148

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

Nartarsha Navanaga-Bamblett built her business by honouring culture and identity in a Western-dominated space. Her story shows the power of representation and how to stay true to who you are in business.

When you are a First Nations person who’s navigating a Western-dominated world, you enter unchartered territory. When you do that as a business person, things get turned up a notch.

Challenges don’t just come from a lack of precedent, they also come from “your own mob” questioning your journey. 

👑 Nartarsha Navanaga-Bamblett knows all about this. Now a proud First Nations queen, mum of (soon-to-be) three, and the magical soul behind Queen Acknowledgements (https://www.queenacknowledgements.com), Nartarsha was raised on Yorta Yorta country, her grandmothers and the subsequent generations carrying the deep scars of The Stolen Generations.

These days, Nartarsha is rocking it in Naarm Country (Melbourne).

She made it her business to connect people through movement, dance, and music. Her entire heart, soul, and ancestral wisdom wrapped up in it. But navigating that requires a lot of work and self-reflection.

Because that’s what it means to her: how to stay true to who you are in business, even when it’s not the easy or the obvious road.

How To Stay True To Who You Are In Business

Staying true to yourself, building your business around your values, it’s something you’ve heard me mention many times. It’s important for all of us.

But as a First Nations woman, it gets magnified.

Continue to read at: https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast147

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

Welcome to WĀ-HINE, a podcast for wāhine in business 🌺.

In Te Reo Māori, WĀ speaks to time, space, and presence ⏳.

HINE honours the feminine essence. The wāhine who walk this path with strength, softness, and sovereignty 👣🌙.

Together, WĀ-HINE is about so much more than business. It’s about her business, her time, her truth, her legacy 🌀👑.

I want WĀ-HINE to be a space where business meets whakapapa, and where leadership is grounded in legacy.

It’s a podcast for wāhine in business, a home for Indigenous wāhine and values-led women from all walks of life to share their stories, their insights, and their truth.

Because let’s be honest, we’re not just out here building businesses for the sake of it. We’re creating intergenerational ripples 🌊. We’re reshaping what leadership looks like, sounds like, and feels like.

And we’re doing it in a way that honours who we are, where we’ve come from, and the legacy we want to leave behind  🌿.

🎧 Expect real kōrero on strategy, soul-led leadership, and the behind-the-scenes of doing business your way.

Episodes drop every second Wednesday of the month 📅.

This is your time. This is WĀ-HINE. A business podcast for wāhine entrepreneurs, doing things their way 💪🌺.

Read more at  https://www.sandrajulian.co/wahine

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

This episode explores how to thrive in business when menopause hits by embracing physical & emotional changes, gaining knowledge, & redesigning your business & lifestyle to support long-term wellbeing.

Let’s have a heart-to-heart ❤️

If you're a middle-aged woman in business who’s suddenly finding it all… a lot harder, you’re not imagining it. You're not broken. You're not lazy. And no, you haven't lost your edge 💪 You’re likely experiencing the profound impact of menopause or perimenopause.

Navigating menopause as a business owner can feel like trying to run a marathon in heels 👠🏃 You’re expected to keep performing, but there seem to be obstacles around every corner.

As businesswomen, what we did day after day, year after year without a blink of an eye, suddenly feels impossible, despite our best efforts. Because our bodies, our brains, our energy, our priorities; it all changes without much notice. 

But the good news: menopause isn’t the end. As Dr. Wendy Sweet, says, it’s time to embrace it, not resist it.

But with all the ignorance and lack of knowledge surrounding menopause, that feels easier said than done.

Why Menopause Is a Business Reality 📉

Menopause is a health transition, yes.

But it’s also undeniably a business reality for female entrepreneurs and professionals. A brutal shift in energy, productivity, motivation, and mental clarity forces us into a different kind of leadership; from ourselves, and for ourselves.

It’s easy to feel like you just have to keep up appearances and figure it out on your own. But you don’t have to. Sometimes we just need to hear, “You’re not crazy. This is a real phase, and you’re doing brilliantly.” 

But Dr Wendy stresses that (accurate) knowledge is power. Which is exactly why she launched her program, MyMT™ (short for “My Menopause Transformation”).

The Menopause Quiz is a 1st step to help you understand what’s really going on in your body beyond hot flashes. (It’s free, & it’s not about selling supplements.)

Take the quiz here https://www.mymenopausetransformation.com/perimenopause-menopause-quiz/

Continue to read   https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast146

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

Website: www.sandrajulian.co
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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

If your workload is overflowing, your team is maxed out, and your pipeline’s heating up, it’s probably time to hire. With the right plan, it doesn’t have to be scary.

You know that feeling. Business has been ramping up. You’re doing well, but it’s also getting “a bit much”. You’re wondering if maybe, just maybe, it’s time to hire someone. 👀

But then your brain chimes in with, “Whoa there… are we sure about this? What if we jump too soon?”

Totally valid. Hiring feels like a big leap. 🪂
Because it is.

So how do you know when it’s time to stop doing everything yourself and start expanding your team?

Let’s talk it through. 🗣️

The “Am I Ready?” Stage 🧩

There comes a point in almost every small business where you hit a crossroads.🚦

Here’s how you know you might be standing at that intersection:

• You’re saying no to awesome projects because your calendar is bursting at the seams.
• Growth has stalled, not for lack of interest, but for lack of hands on deck.
• Admin, sleep, weekends, and your sanity are all taking a hit.
• Clients are starting to feel like they’re in a queue at the supermarket checkout.
• Freelancers are helping, but it still feels like duct tape on a leaky boat.

If any of this sounds familiar, guess what?
It might be time to hire. 🕒

Hiring = Exciting and Terrifying 😵💫🎉

Hiring someone is a big deal. You’re not just delegating. You’re becoming responsible for someone’s paycheck. 💸 That’s a lot.

Even if the numbers look good now, your inner critic might still be yelling, “What if this goes south in three months?” 😨

I hear you. I’ve been in business a long time, and it still gives me that fluttery nervous energy. 🦋 But here’s the thing:

You’ll never feel completely ready.

There’s a saying in business: “Don’t hire when you’re desperate.”
You hire before you think you’re ready.

That doesn’t mean wing it. It means plan it.

How I Decide When It’s Time to Hire 🧭

Let me walk you through how I make the call. 

Continue to read my process here at:  https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast145

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

💰 Making money while you sleep sounds like the ultimate business dream, right?!

We’ve all heard the success stories: people selling templates, courses, or e-books and supposedly raking in cash while they’re out surfing 🏄‍♀️, sipping cocktails🍹, or living their best laptop-free life.

But is it really that simple? 🤔

Not quite.

Megan Elliott (also known as Megan Taylor), who runs a business selling both DIY copy templates ✍️ and fully done-for-you copy packages, knows firsthand that things are a bit more nuanced.

Her business, Copy Template Shop 🛍️ https://copytemplateshop.com, is all about helping her clients craft copy that’s both connection-driven 💬 and deeply strategic 🎯.

And here’s what she has to say about service vs. digital product business models and the myth of passive income.

The Myth of “Passive” Income

The idea that digital products equal easy money is widespread. But here’s the truth: selling templates may be scalable, but it’s far from hands-off.

💡 “Passive income isn’t as passive as the online business world wants us to believe.” – Megan Elliott

Even with automation, running a digital product shop still requires effort:

✅ Customer support: Answering questions and troubleshooting, which was so time consuming, Megan eventually decided to hire help.

✅ Keeping products updated: Content needs refreshing to stay relevant.

✅ Marketing: Driving traffic and sales isn’t automatic. It’s an ongoing job.

That doesn’t mean digital products aren’t worth it! They just require a different kind of effort than a service-based business.

Megan knows the ins and outs of service-based vs digital product-based business models so let’s compare the realities of each.

Service Vs. Digital Products Business: The Pros And Cons In A Nutshell

Both service and digital product business models have their perks and challenges. 

Continue to read  how they stack up in Megan’s experience here at:  https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast144

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

Scaling your business isn’t about piling more onto your already full plate. It’s about stepping into your role as a leader; bringing in the right people and empowering them to take ownership.

But making that shift? Easier said than done.

Why Is It So Hard to Move from Doing to Leading?
Ever feel like you’re the glue holding everything together? You’re making every decision, overseeing every detail, and keeping the wheels turning. But instead of feeling in control, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck. It’s like if you take your hands off the wheel for even a second, everything might fall apart.

Here’s the good news: this is a normal phase. Every service business owner reaches this point, the moment when working harder is no longer the answer. But (and this is a big but!) you can’t stay here. If you don’t make the transition from doer to leader, your business growth will stall.

The challenge? Being a great business owner doesn’t automatically make you a great leader. The skills that got you here aren’t the same ones that will take you forward.

That’s why I want to share 2 game-changing books that helped me navigate this transition:
📖 Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
📖 Radical Candor by Kim Scott

These books will help you:
✅ Find the right people so you’re not doing everything yourself.
✅ Lead with confidence, clarity, and care (without micromanaging or feeling guilty!).

The Shift: Going From Business Owner to Business Leader
Ready to stop being the bottleneck in your business? Here’s where to start:

✅ Step 1: Identify What to Delegate
Download my System Creation Toolkit (includes a Delegation Checklist & Time Audit Resource). https://sandrajulian.co/SystemToolkit to help you figure out which tasks you should be handing off.

Once you have done this, it’s time to get the books out to help you transition from doing to leading.

✅ Step 2: Shift from How to Who 
Instead of asking, How do I do this?, start asking, Who is the best person to take this on?

✅ Step 3: Lead with Clarity and Care
Set clear expectations, give honest feedback, and build a thriving team.

Continue to read here at:  https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast143

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

Karen King, founder of Gold Star Pro, shares her journey of building a business while embracing the digital nomad family lifestyle.

Meet Karen King, the adventurous entrepreneur behind Gold Star Pro! 

An Aussie, a mum of two, and a full-time traveller for nearly a decade, Karen traded the 9-to-5 grind for a business that lets her work from anywhere. 🏝️ 

The spark that ignited her digital nomad family lifestyle were the words “location independence” from “The Four-Hour Work Week” book by Tim Ferriss.

From there, Karen didn’t just adapt to the digital nomad family life. She built a business to make it easier for others too (if that’s what they dream of). Enter Gold Star Pro.

Let’s talk about Gold Star Pro

Gold Star Pro is the ultimate business tool for talented but not-so-tech-savvy entrepreneurs who want efficiency, automation, and more freedom. Instead of juggling multiple platforms, Gold Star Pro brings everything into one place with (and this is important!) lots and lots and lots of support. 🙌

In Karen’s words, “the platform offers everything a small service business needs apart from ZOOM”. From the website to course creation, email marketing, bulk social media scheduling, contact management and much, much more. It’s all there. (To find out more about Gold Star Pro, head over to https://www.usegoldstar.com)

Tips For Running A Business While Travelling With Kids

But about that digital nomad parenting life.  In a lot of ways, it’s “same-same but different”.

For Karen’s kids, the world is their classroom! 🌎 They learn through experience: counting subway steps, converting currency, and exploring historic sites in real life.

Equally, as any parent will contest, running a business with kids isn’t easy. Doing it while travelling takes it up a notch. But Karen has mastered the art.

Here are her top 5 strategies to make it work:

1. Time Blocking is a Game-Changer ⏳  In the early days of their life as a digital nomad family, Karen loved the freedom of working whenever she wanted. But soon, she realised she wasn’t as productive as she could be. It was the trigger to engage a business coach who encouraged her to time-block. 

Continue to read here at:  https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast142

Now, she schedules calls only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for deep work with plenty of time for the Bulgarian ski-slope on the side. 🎿

2. Empower Your Team 🙌

Seasoned digital nomad parent Karen doesn’t micromanage. Instead, she trained her team well and trusts them to make decisions. Each team member has their responsibility in the business, which they proudly take ownership of. It allows Karen to not be glued to her screen all the time.

3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! 🎯

Thanks to Karen’s business coach, who encouraged her to track her time, Karen (after some initial reluctancy) identified tasks she didn’t need to handle herself. Delegating tech support, admin, and customer service freed her up to focus on business growth.

4. Set Boundaries Between Work & Life 🚧

When you’re a digital nomad parent, it’s easy to feel the need to check emails at 11.30PM, because that’s when the team is working on the other side of the world. You can imagine Karen had to put a stop to that. She learned to step back, trust her team, and enjoy the lifestyle she built. With Slack and regular scheduled meetings, Karen stays connected without being “always on.”

5. Flexibility is Key 🔄

Even with structure, plans change. Karen embraces the unexpected and adapts. Because, after all, what’s an adventure without leaving room for surprises? 🌟

What’s Next For This Digital Nomad Parent?&

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing

We explore 4 easy ways to strengthen your proposals by avoiding some key project proposal mistakes that confuse clients and delay decisions.

Ever sent a proposal bid and heard … nothing? Or maybe you got a response, but it was full of questions instead of a clear yes? Or how about the “I’ll think about it”?

If that sounds familiar, your proposal might be creating doubt instead of confidence.

There’s a real art and also a bit of a science to writing a good proposal. 

Keen on making it easy for clients to say YES to your proposal, but need a simple proposal template for small business to get you on your way? I’ve got you!

Download my “Irresistible Proposal Blueprint” https://sandrajulian.co/irresistible-proposal-blueprint/ and start improving your project proposals today! 🎉

So, here are four common project proposal mistakes, AND how you can fix them.👇

4 Proposal Mistakes That Crop Up Again And Again

Project Proposal Mistake 1: DON’T Skip the Client’s Pain Point Or Desire

Often, I see businesses copy and paste text directly from the client’s website into the proposal bid. But that doesn’t show deep understanding of the problem, something your client really desires.

Instead: show your client you understand their unique problem.

✅ Ask plenty of clarifying questions before you start writing the proposal and then acknowledge the challenge in their own words.
✅ Explain what’s at stake if they don’t fix it.
✅ Paint a picture of success after working with you.

Project Proposal Mistake 2: DON’T Offer A Menu Of Services As The Solution

Listing multiple service options leaves it to the client to figure out what they need. One of the most common project proposal mistakes is failing to recognise that confused clients don’t say YES.

Instead: It’s your job to offer the solution in your project proposal.

✅ Provide a clear solution for their problem.
✅ Explain why it’s the right approach.
✅ Show how it leads to their desired result.

Project Proposal Mistake 3: DON’T Be Vague In Your Pricing

Continue to read here at: https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast141

Vague pricing is another common project proposal mistake because, like in mistake 3, it leads to hesitation. Clients wonder: What’s included? Are there hidden fees?

Instead: Leave no room for doubt around the price of the solution you offer.

✅ Clearly outline what they get at each price point. Itemise the inclusions.
✅ Be upfront about additional costs.
✅ Highlight the value, not just the cost.

Project Proposal Mistake 4: DON’T Make Yourself The Main Character Of The Proposal

Clients care most about their own needs. It’s tempting to give them all the skills and qualifications you have, but think about this: they’ve contacted you, so they already trust you’ve got the chops.

Instead: focus on the client.

✅ Start with their goal and challenge.
✅ Keep your "About Us" section brief and relevant.
✅ Only mention your expertise as it is relevant to their problem.

Fix these four common mistakes, and your proposals will convert more often, with less hesitation from potential clients.

Do You Want Some Help With That?

Keen on making it easy for clients to say YES to your proposal, but need a simple proposal template for small business to get you on your way? I’ve got you!

Download my “Irresistible Proposal Blueprint” https://sandrajulian.co/irresistible-proposal-blueprint/ and start improving your project proposals today! 🎉

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You’ve built a thriving business through hard work and determination, yet you can feel you’re entering a new season. You’re ready for clarity, space, and support that honours your energy and helps you lead in a way that feels calm, intentional, and aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’re seeking a more easeful, intuitive way forward then private 1:1 Coaching is for you. https://sandrajulian.co/work-with-me/

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata 

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing