In this episode of Work in Progress, Nicole Engelmann speaks with Siobhan Strode, consultant, writer, and founder of Sister Scribes — a platform dedicated to amplifying women and non-binary voices in business and beyond.

Siobhan opens up about her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship after a personal breakdown, and how that experience shaped her mission to build a business grounded in authenticity, activism, and real connection.

This conversation dives into the messy middle of business, the pressure to “have it all figured out,” and the freedom that comes with redefining success on your own terms. They also explore the power of ethical branding, community over competition, and what it really means to show up as your full self - politics, passion, and all.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos 

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann 

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter 

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Siobhan Strode

Siobhan is an advocacy consultant, mentor for disrupters, and founder of This Sister Speaks. With a background in comms, education, activism and politics, she helps people and organisations raise their voices, build confidence, and drive real change - from boardrooms to campaign trails and beyond.

Siobhan's brand new website - https://www.siobhanstrode.com

Follow her on Instagram - www.instagram.com/siobhan.strode

Find her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-strode84

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Siobhan Strode01:24 Siobhan's Journey: From Teaching to Consulting03:17 The Evolution of This Sister Speaks06:13 Navigating Change and Embracing New Directions08:33 Rebranding and Personal Growth11:17 Finding Authenticity in Business13:59 The Importance of Values and Messaging16:08 Political Engagement and Personal Expression20:53 Building Community and Connection21:32 Redefining Success Beyond Wealth22:11 The Reality of Happiness and Wealth22:39 Financial Security and Personal Well-being23:49 The Myths of Entrepreneurship25:07 Ethics in Business and Wealth Accumulation26:30 Finding Your Community in Business28:57 The Value of Authentic Networking31:41 Deep Connections vs. Small Talk32:25 Advice for New Entrepreneurs34:14 Pride in Collaboration and Personal Growth35:39 Outro

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Keywords:

entrepreneur journey, authentic branding, women in business, values-led consulting, small business community, redefining success, ethical entrepreneurship, business burnout, inclusive branding, empowering voices, authenticity in marketing, personal growth in business, anti-hustle entrepreneurship, female entrepreneurs, female business owner

In Part 2 of her conversation with Nicole Engelmann, Jess Hellens - founder of Wild Coworking - returns to dig into the realities of building a business in today’s fast-changing, hyper-digital world.

Together, they explore how to create a marketing strategy that actually aligns with your personal values and goals (rather than the latest trend), why relying solely on social media is risky, and how to adapt in a world shaped by AI, capitalism, and constant noise.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone who wants to build something meaningful, sustainable, and human, while navigating pressure, uncertainty, and the ever-growing list of “shoulds” in business. Jess also shares powerful reflections on what really matters, and how community, boundaries, and creativity are more important now than ever.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: ⁠www.londonbrandingphotos.com⁠ 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos⁠ 

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann⁠ 

Sign up to her newsletter: ⁠www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter⁠ 

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Jess Hellens

Jess is the Founder of Wild Coworking, a community ofself-employed women and non-binary people that launched over 6 yearsago. Her background and obsession is marketing strategy, her mission is to make business ownership feel more inclusive, welcoming and achievable for those who don't feel seen and/or heard in traditional networking groups.

Follow Jess on Instagram - ⁠www.instagram.com/jesshellens⁠ & ⁠www.instagram.com/wild_coworking⁠

Memberships reopened 1 July ⁠www.wildcoworking.com/join⁠

Beyond the Bubble workshop starts 14 July ⁠www.wildcoworking.com/beyond-the-bubble⁠

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Timestamps:

00:00 Foundations of Marketing Strategy12:05 Goal Setting and Achieving Milestones22:20 Safeguarding Your Business Against Risks23:07 Navigating Business Promises and Pressures26:00 Defining Personal Business Goals28:44 The Journey of Continuous Learning31:36 Adapting to Change and Evolving34:29 The Role of AI in Business37:07 Craving Authentic Human Connection39:57 Engaging with Community and Resources42:47 Outro

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Takeaways

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Keywords:

authentic marketing, small business strategy, AI, entrepreneurship, creative business, burnout prevention, women in business, business alignment, self-employed life, capitalism and creativity, ethical marketing, community for female business owners, community for non-binary business owners, adapting in business, social media risk, values-led business, personal branding, WILD Coworking, marketing strategy, AI in business

In this episode of Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann , I chat with Jess Hellens, founder of Wild Coworking - a growing online co-working community designed for women and non-binary people in business.

Jess shares her deeply personal journey from burnout and disillusionment to building a values-led space for connection, collaboration, and growth. Born from a need for community and a sense of belonging, Wild has grown from local co-working meet-ups to a global network, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, we explore the importance of community in entrepreneurship, how vulnerability and resilience go hand-in-hand, and why trusting your gut (and knowing your numbers) is essential as a business owner. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone - and that finding the right people can change everything.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos 

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann 

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter 

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Jess Hellens

Jess is the Founder of Wild Coworking, a community of
self-employed women and non-binary people that launched over 6 yearsago. Her background and obsession is marketing strategy, her mission is to make business ownership feel more inclusive, welcoming and achievable for those who don't feel seen and/or heard in traditional networking groups.

Follow Jess on Instagram - www.instagram.com/jesshellens & www.instagram.com/wild_coworking

Memberships reopened 1 July www.wildcoworking.com/join
Beyond the Bubble workshop starts 14 July www.wildcoworking.com/beyond-the-bubble

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Wild and Its Mission02:53 Jess's Journey: From Burnout to Community Building05:50 The Importance of Community in Business08:46 Navigating COVID-19: Adapting to Change11:46 The Evolution of Wild: A Safe Space for Growth14:38 Marketing and Community: A Symbiotic Relationship17:32 Lessons Learned: Resilience and Adaptation20:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs23:20 Looking Ahead: The Future of Wild and Its Impact34:46 Outro

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Keywords:

women in business, building community, entrepreneurship, burnout recovery, co-working, networking, COVID-19 business lessons, female founders, community marketing, collaboration in business, support networks, resilience, emotional side of entrepreneurship, Wild community, WILD Coworking

In this episode of Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann is joined by transformational coach Janette Wong for a deeply honest conversation about reframing your mindset, navigating the messy middle, and creating clarity in both life and business.

They unpack the power of noticing your thought patterns, how curiosity leads to breakthroughs, and why chaos often comes from indecision - not failure. Janette shares how she helps high-achieving women pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity and confidence, even when life feels overwhelming.

Whether you’re stuck in overthinking, trying to make aligned decisions, or craving a more grounded mindset, this episode is a warm reminder that growth doesn’t come from perfection - it comes from awareness, reflection, and action.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos 

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann 

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter 

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Janette Wong

Janette is a transformational life coach, Reiki practitioner, and founder of Empowering Leap. She supports high-achieving women to shift from overwhelm and disconnectedness to clarity, purpose, and grounded self-trust - blending mindset coaching, energy healing, and practical tools to create safe, sustainable change.

Connect with Janette here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hopp.bio/janette-wong-lifecoach⁠

Follow Janette on Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/empowerwithjanette

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Timestamps:

00:00 The Power of Reframing

03:09 Recognizing Patterns and Triggers

06:19 Curiosity as a Tool for Growth

09:00 Chaos and Clarity: The Decision-Making Process

14:57 Embracing the Work in Progress

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Keywords:

personal growth, mindset reframing, decision-making, clarity through chaos, self-awareness, transformational coaching, breaking thought patterns, female entrepreneurs, empowerment, inner work, emotional processing, coaching for women, curiosity for growth, high achievers

👉 If this episode resonated, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review - it really helps more people discover the show. You can also follow Nicole on Instagram for more insights on visibility, creativity and showing up as yourself.

In this episode of Work in Progress, Nicole Engelmann sits down with transformational coach Janette Wong, who helps high-achieving women reconnect with themselves and lead from a place of alignment - not burnout.

They dive into Janette’s personal journey from corporate life and deep personal struggles to finding her purpose as a coach. The conversation explores the importance of community, embracing authenticity, and why tuning into your energy and nervous system is crucial for sustainable success in business and life.

Expect honest reflections on entrepreneurship, the messy middle of personal growth, and the freedom that comes when you stop chasing goals that don’t feel like yours.

Whether you’re navigating a pivot, feeling the pressure to "have it all together," or building a brand that actually feels like you, this episode is a reminder that staying true to your identity is the most powerful strategy of all.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos 

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann 

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter 

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Janette Wong

Janette is a transformational life coach, Reiki practitioner, and founder of Empowering Leap. She supports high-achieving women to shift from overwhelm and disconnectedness to clarity, purpose, and grounded self-trust - blending mindset coaching, energy healing, and practical tools to create safe, sustainable change.

Connect with Janette here: ⁠https://www.hopp.bio/janette-wong-lifecoach

Follow Janette on Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/empowerwithjanette

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Coaching

01:32 Jeanette's Journey to Coaching

04:30 The Importance of Community Building

08:43 Networking and Authentic Connections

11:11 Challenges in the Entrepreneurial Journey

15:51 Embracing Authenticity in Business

18:58 Navigating Emotional Turmoil

21:55 Understanding Rejection and Resilience

23:15 The Importance of Authenticity in Business

23:56 The Journey of Personal Branding

29:43 Energy Management and Authenticity

31:13 Advice to My Younger Self

32:09 Pride in Perseverance

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Keywords:

transformational coaching, nervous system regulation, personal branding, high-achieving women, burnout recovery, authenticity in business, self-leadership, female entrepreneurship, mindset and energy work, business alignment, overwhelm, female business owner, transformation coaching, community building, authenticity, entrepreneurial journey, resilience, women empowerment, coaching tools, business challenges, visibility

In this episode, Nicole Engelmann chats with Squarespace web designer Freya Padmore about creating a powerful online presence through strategic website design, smart SEO, and digital marketing must-dos.

They cover the key pages every small business website needs, the importance of clear call-to-action buttons, and how to avoid common website mistakes. Freya also shares practical tips on using keywords effectively, why you need a Google Business Profile, and how she's building her own visibility through social media and the upcoming launch of her DIY Website Club membership.

If you're a creative or small business owner looking to upgrade your website and boost your visibility, this one’s for you.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond.

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter

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Freya Padmore

Freya is a Squarespace website designer for business owners who want to take the tech-headaches out of business. Helping you to feel confident with all things websites, SEO and automations.

Membership Waitlist: www.freyapadmore.com/membership-waitlist

Follow Freya on Instagram: www.instagram.com/freyapadmore

Check Out Freya's Website: www.freyapadmore.com

Get All The Freebies: www.freyapadmore.com/link-in-bio

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Timestamps:

00:00 Building Your Website: Essential Pages
02:54 Keywords and SEO Basics
04:44 Common Website Mistakes to Avoid
12:05 Boosting Visibility with Google Business Profile
16:56 Work in Progress: Social Media and Membership Launch

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Keywords:

Squarespace, website design, SEO, personal branding, client attraction, business visibility, creative entrepreneurs, Google Business Profile, digital marketing, call-to-action tips, small business websites, user experience, DIY website design, women in business, social media for creatives, membership sites, small business owner

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann!

In this episode, Nicole chats with Squarespace website designer Freya Padmore about her journey into web design and the reality of building a business from the ground up.

They explore the challenges of finding aligned clients, navigating imposter syndrome, and embracing personal branding as a powerful tool for visibility and connection. Freya shares how she balances creativity with tech, the moments that shaped her path, and why saying “no” to the wrong work has helped her say “yes” to joy in her business.

If you’re a creative or small business owner figuring it out as you go, this episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone - and that it’s okay to be a work in progress.

Host & guest info:

Nicole Engelmann

Nicole is a London-based personal branding photographer and videographer, working with small business owners and creatives across the UK and beyond. 

She’s here for the camera-shy, the visibility-dodgers, and the “I’m not photogenic” crowd - turning nerves into magic with scroll-stopping visuals that feel so you. Whether it’s in the streets of London or on a retreat in Ibiza, she’s got your best angles (and your brand) covered.

Nicole's website: www.londonbrandingphotos.com 

Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/londonbrandingphotos 

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelmann 

Sign up to her newsletter: www.londonbrandingphotos.com/newsletter 

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Freya Padmore

Freya is a Squarespace website designer for business owners who want to take the tech-headaches out of business. Helping you to feel confident with all things websites, SEO and automations.

Membership Waitlist: ⁠www.freyapadmore.com/membership-waitlist⁠

Follow Freya on Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/freyapadmore⁠

Check Out Freya's Website: ⁠www.freyapadmore.com⁠

Get All The Freebies: ⁠www.freyapadmore.com/link-in-bio⁠

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Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction to Freya Padmore

01:05 Freya's Journey into Web Design

02:28 The Intersection of SEO and Web Design

04:36 Challenges in Finding Clients

12:11 Building Visibility and Personal Brand

25:14 Leaning into Joy in Business

30:19 Embracing Your Expertise

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Keywords:

Squarespace, personal branding, visibility, creative business, website design, finding clients, creative entrepreneurs, saying no, SEO, women in business, digital storytelling, self-employment journey, work in progress podcast, small business owner

🎙️ Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann - Trailer Episode

Welcome to Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann - a warm, honest and empowering podcast for female founders and small business owners who are building something beautiful, bold and deeply personal.

I’m Nicole - a personal branding photographer and videographer based in London. I work with women across all sorts of industries - from yoga teachers and coaches to designers, estate agents, retreat organisers and anything in between - helping them feel confident and seen through powerful, story-driven visuals.

In this podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the real, unfiltered journey of running a business - not just mine, but my guests’ too. You’ll hear honest conversations with inspiring women about their paths to doing meaningful work, what’s helped them along the way, and the behind-the-scenes of building a brand that feels truly aligned.

No shiny highlight reels here - just real stories, real progress, and a good dose of humour along the way. Whether you're just starting out, pivoting, or growing something slowly and steadily, part or full-time - this is for you.

✨ What to expect:

• Candid chats with female business owners and creatives

• Insightful tips on personal branding, visibility and showing up with confidence, as well as guest expert tips on all things business

• Encouragement to embrace your “work in progress” - because that’s where the meaningful changes and opportunities happen

  
  

Let’s build something brilliant together - one brave step at a time.

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💻 Learn more & work with me: www.londonbrandingphotos.com

📲 Connect with me on social:
Instagram: @londonbrandingphotos
Threads: @londonbrandingphotos
LinkedIn: Nicole Engelmann

🎧 Don’t forget to hit follow so you don’t miss the first full episode - coming soon!