Female Entrepreneur Beautiful Chaos: A CEO's Guide
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Nov 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Female Entrepreneurs: Taming the Beautiful Chaos – A CEO, PhD Student, & Mum of Four's Guide
Hey lovely ladies, Carlene here! Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, all while trying to look effortlessly chic? Yeah, me too. Being a CEO, tackling a PhD, & navigating the beautiful chaos of raising four kids (with two miniature pinchers who seem to think they're furry tornadoes & my personal workaholic by my side) – it’s a lot. But you know what? It's also incredibly rewarding. & I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Truth be told, this isn't my first rodeo with the whole "academia & motherhood" combo. I finished my undergrad with my eldest as a babe in arms, my MBA with my second little one toddling around, & now I’m diving headfirst into PhD research with two more additions to the crew (and recovering from my fourth C-section!). It makes the journey a little slower, a bit more “windy”, but also more meaningful. It's definitely harder. I'm navigating post C-section healing, PhD deadlines, & client projects, all while ensuring quality time with each child. As a Gemini, I’m always curious, always questioning – is this the best way? Honestly, I wouldn't change this path. For me, it’s about the journey, owning it, even if it’s non-linear. If I don't reach a goal as quickly as someone with fewer responsibilities, that’s on me, not my circumstances. & I’m not giving up. I am still here, still present, still learning, growing, & sharing it all with you.
So, how do I navigate this beautiful chaos? Smart systems, AI magic, mindset shifts, & a strong support system (still a work in progress!). Let’s dive in! This one’s especially for you if you’re a Foundation Builder – just starting out, feeling overwhelmed, maybe making less than £1k a month. Sound familiar? Thought so.
Taming the Time Beast: Smart Systems & AI to the Rescue
One of my biggest takeaways from my MBA (Cranfield, life-changing!) was the power of systems. The course? Intense! A daily mind explosion! When you're juggling everything, working hard isn't enough; you have to work smart. This means constantly questioning, “Is this the best way?” & being open to smarter solutions. Systems, ideally AI-powered, are your lifeline. They’re the difference between treading water & making progress. What’s one system you can implement today?
AI scheduling tools are game-changers. Imagine coordinating school runs, activities, client calls, PhD supervision, date nights (crucial!), & vet appointments for two hyperactive dogs without digital help. Impossible! Seriously, the system will help. We need a robust system, a schedule. It’s essential! AI keeps everyone on the same page, reducing mental load. Those automated reminders? Lifesavers.
AI isn't just for scheduling. My husband (a fellow PhD student – yes, we're that couple – same classes, heartwarming, should be more normal!) focuses on generative AI & micro-businesses. He's opened my eyes to AI-powered research. Invaluable for my academic work & client projects, helping me synthesize information faster.
AI can be a game-changer. It helps build 'Flow' – streamlining processes, automating tasks, & gaining insights. We're talking working smarter, not harder. This speaks to "Fusion" (AI Integration) within our Business Flourish Framework at Femmeprenista. AI enhances Flow by automating tasks like email marketing, social media scheduling, and even client onboarding, freeing up your time for high-impact activities. This is all part of working smarter. Find out more about how the Business Flourish Framework helps you streamline your business Business Flourish Framework
Mindset Magic: Embracing Imperfection & Releasing the Pressure
Mindset is huge. Perfectionism? The enemy of progress. As mums, we’re conditioned to strive for perfection—career, motherhood, relationships, even Instagram-worthy homes (who has time?!). The pressure is real. It’s a “By Me” (Hustle/Force) trap in Adrienne Weimer’s Four Levels of Consciousness, where we think success comes solely from our own intense efforts, neglecting Flow & Trust. Exhausting & unrealistic! My journey, especially with four kids & a PhD, has taught me progress over perfection. Some days, I'm Superwoman. Other days, I’m surviving the morning routine meltdown-free (barely!). It's okay. You don’t give up.
Imperfection? A superpower. It allows for progress, small wins, & releasing pressure. Jim Rohn nailed it: “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” I used to stress over incomplete to-do lists. Now? I celebrate small wins & focus on consistent effort. I’ve also learned to ask for help (tough after my C-section when my "super mum" vision crashed into reality. Humbling, but it led to better support systems.). There was this one time, I was so overwhelmed trying to finalize a client presentation, manage the kids' school projects (glitter EVERYWHERE!), and meet a PhD research deadline that I completely missed a crucial meeting with my business partner. It was awful, I felt terrible, and it made me realize just how unsustainable my approach was. It was a wake-up call to prioritize better, get more organized, and implement those systems I preach about. It was a painful but necessary lesson. It’s all about “Focus” in our Business Flourish Framework – mindset, resilience, confidence. Lead yourself first. Discover how we can help you sharpen your mindset Business Flourish Framework
The Power of Support: You Don't Have to Do It Alone
This is ongoing for me. I’m lucky to have my amazing partner, a true rock. But local family support? Limited, like many millennial mums. This resonates in my PhD research (78% of early-stage entrepreneurs I interviewed cite isolation as a major challenge). It’s the “Little Red Hen” fable – you’re doing all the work. The struggle is real. Support is vital, personally & professionally. Find a babysitter, connect with entrepreneurial mums (solidarity!), invest in coaching. I remember telling my mum, “Mom, I need help now—not later!” Different support for different times. It’s like planting a garden but forgetting to water it – ongoing nurturing is key. Articulate your needs clearly, even when uncomfortable.
Your Smallest Viable Step: A 3-Step Checklist
Where to begin? Three things you can do today:
Schedule It: Block 15 minutes for brainstorming. What’s one system you can improve? (Example: Automate social media posting).
Connect: Join a Facebook group for entrepreneurial mums. (Example: Search "female entrepreneurs UK" on Facebook.).
Breathe: Set a reminder to take 5 deep breaths every hour. Visualize yourself calm & focused (it really works!).
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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