Beautiful Chaos Female Entrepreneurs: Thriving, Not Burning Out

Embracing the Beautiful Chaos: PhD, Business Coaching, & Motherhood – A Flourishing Act, Not a Burnout Recipe

Navigating biz & motherhood chaos? You're not alone! Reframe challenges & build a flourishing life. Tips & inspo here! #femmeprenista

Right, let's be honest. The word "balance" can feel like a total myth, especially when you're juggling multiple demanding roles. Last week, I only managed to squeeze in 2 hours of focusedfocused PhD work. It was frustrating, but hey, that's the reality of the juggle, right? A PhD, business coaching, motherhood (times four!), the daily antics of Cappuccino & Espresso (my Miniature Pinschers who are a whole other level of organisedorganised chaos!), & just trying to string a semi-coherent thought together without the hum of kids' TV in the background – it’s a LOT. & I’m guessing, if you’re reading this, you get it. You’re likely navigating your own unique blend of ambition & responsibility. This content is specifically designed for Founders in the ‘Foundation Builder’ or ‘Scaling Leader’ stage – those amazing women just starting out or working hard to scale their businesses, often while juggling everything else life throws their way.

I vividly remember trying to record a training video for my Launch Programme while my toddler decided to stage an impromptu fashion show using all the clean towels from the airing cupboard. Espresso, naturally, joined in by "modelling" a half-eaten banana peel. It was one of those "one eyeliner on, the other smudged from wiping peanut butter off the wall" kind of mornings. You know that feeling, right? But then, amidst the chaos, a thought struck me: What if this “beautiful chaos” isn’t the enemy? What if it’s simply evidence of a life brimming with pursuits that genuinely matter?

This isn't some glossy, unattainable "supermum" fantasy. This is about intentionally designing your life for high achievement AND deep fulfillment, fueled by radical ownership. Because here's the truth: Nobody is coming to save you. & while the system might not always be in our favor (especially for us Millennials – we got the raw end of the deal!), waiting for someone else to fix it is like waiting for that elusive perfect work-life balance to magically appear. It's down to usus to create it.

Reframing Chaos: It’s Feedback, Not Failure

My ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship constantly reminds me of the incredible resourcefulness of women. We are masters of adaptation. We figure things out. We find a way, even when it feels like we’re navigating a maze blindfolded, with one hand tied behind our back, while simultaneously trying to decipher toddler language. One key finding from my research has been the importance of community support in navigating these challenges. (You can find a sneak peek of some early findings on my website insert link to relevant blog post or research page – placeholder). But, let’s be real, we can get so caught up in reactingreacting that we forget to step back & ask: what’s the message here?

Is the overwhelm a sign to quit? Or to build a better system?
Is inconsistent income feedback that your offer isn't clear? Or that your marketing needs more flairflair – more YOU?
Are you feeling burnt out? Maybe it’s time to prioritize your wellbeing & let AI handle some of the heavy lifting.

My own journey, balancing a PhD with four kids (& did I mention the PhD whilewhile recovering from a C-section? Yeah, that was fun… not!), has taught me that while my path might look different, it's mymy path. As Tony Robbins says, “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” It’s about owning your progress, not comparing it. Speaking of owning your progress… I’m going to be honest, I recently had a totaltotal system meltdown. I’d meticulously planned my content calendar, blocked out time for deep work, the whole shebang. But then, life happened (the baby decided sleep was optional, my eldest had a meltdown about… well, everything teenage girls have meltdowns about, and Espresso decided the new rug was actually a chew toy). My perfectly crafted system went right out the window. It was humbling, to say the least. But you know what? It reinforced a fundamental truth: Systems need to be flexible, adaptable to the realities of ourour lives. They're meant to serve usus, not the other way around. So I’m tweaking things, incorporating more buffer time, building in more flexibility. It's a learning process. And that's okay.

Owning Your Progress: Working SmartSmart, Not Just HardHard

One of the biggest lessons from my corporate years (nine years at Apple!) is this: hard work alone won't get you there. You need smartsmart work. & smart work starts with ownership. I remember being unfairly scapegoated for a mistake at Apple, even after proactively trying to improve processes. It was frustrating, but it taught me a valuable lesson about taking responsibility, even when it feels unfair. As Sue Knight says, “There is no failure, only feedback”. What other mistakes have I made? That was my question. Because I can't fix what I don't know.

This isn't about "hustle culture". It's about intentionally building smart systems & workflows. Remember my MBA? That was a crucible! Doing it with a little one was intenseintense. It solidified my conviction in the power of systems to manage overwhelm. That all-nighter for a finance project was a wake-up call. It’s the system that saves you.

Here’s a quick 3-step checklist to get you started:

Identify Your Bottleneck: What’s one task that constantly drains your time & energy?
Automate or Delegate: Can you automate it with a tool or delegate it to a VA? Think about how AI can step in here – maybe it's automating your social media scheduling, or using a tool to transcribe your podcasts. It's all about leveraging tech to work smarter, not harder.
Schedule Strategic Time: Block out time for focused work, even if it’s just 15 minutes. This includes time for family, for you, and for the business.

Building a business with clear flows is crucial for growth. Find out more about how the Business Flourish Framework can help you streamline your efforts & achieve sustainable momentum:

Business Flourish Framework

Building Your Support Network (& What to Do When You’re Feeling Alone)

Support is everything. But, & this is a big but, it doesn’t always appear when you need it most. Remember the “dogs in a crate” reality? That was back when I was a single mum to my eldest, with absolutely no local family support. The dogs, bless their hearts, ended up spending far too much time crated because I simply couldn't manage looking after them properly alongside everything else. That was a tough time. Or the almost non-existent help after my C-section? It was a sliding doors moment, a time of deep reflection & re-evaluating major life decisions. These experiences showed me that true support isn't just about having people around; it’s about clear communication, mutual understanding, & having your specific needs met. & sometimes, as female entrepreneurs, we have to create our own support systems, especially in a world where grandparents are often still working & traditional family structures are shifting. According to a study by insert citation URL for mastermind/community stats for female entrepreneurs, women who participate in masterminds or supportive online communities report significantly higher levels of confidence, resilience, & business growth. It can feel lonely out there, trying to build a business while juggling all the things. Share one win this week in the comments below - let's celebrate together!

Prioritizing Your Wellbeing: Fueling Your Fire

As Lisa Nichols wisely says, “Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows.” This is foundational to the FUEL pillar of the Business Flourish Framework, & it’s non-negotiable. When you’re running on empty, the chaos wins. One thing I do every day (even if it’s just for 5 minutes) is a quick mindfulness exercise, often while the kids are having a dance party in the background.

Leveraging AI: Working SmarterSmarter, Not Harder

I love using AI to streamline my business. Think tools like Canva for graphics, Trello for project management, & scheduling apps like Calendly to automate appointments. Imagine reclaiming hours every week by letting AI handle these tasks. AI isn’t just for tech gurus, it’s for all of us. It’s about choosing tools that fit youryour specific needs and making your life easier. More time for your clients, your family, & even a glass of wine (because it's wine o’clock somewhere, right?). Remember, leveraging AI isn't about becoming a tech wiz; it’s about choosing the right tools that fit youryour needs & integrating them seamlessly into your workflow. It’s about working smarter, period.

Taking the First Step: From Overwhelm to Empowerment

It’s all a journey, right? A beautiful, chaotic, often unpredictable journey. But you’re not alone. What’s one small, specificspecific step you can take this weekthis week to own your progress? Here’s your challenge: Identify one time-wasting task this week & explore an AI solution to automate it by Friday. Share your chosen task & the AI tool you're exploring in the comments below! Let's make this week a win.

Ready to dive deeper & build a business that truly supports your life? Check out our Launch Programme:

Launch Programme