From Office Mum to Entrepreneur: Reclaim Your Power!

From "Office Mum" to CEO of Your Own Empire: Reclaiming Your Power, Lovely

Ever feel like the unofficial "mum" at the office? You know, the one everyone turns to for a plaster, a listening ear, or to organize the team lunch (again)? You’re naturally brilliant at nurturing, organizing, and keeping things running smoothly. But are these incredible talents truly valued, or are they being quietly exploited?

Let’s be real, lovely. That warm, nurturing energy you bring to the workplace? It's powerful. It’s the kind of magic that builds teams, fosters connection, and gets things done. It's also, unfortunately, the kind of magic that can land you squarely in the "Office Mum" trap. I remember once, after pulling an all-nighter to finish a major project (while also managing the morning routine for my toddler & prepping for a school bake sale – talk about a juggle!), my boss casually asked if I could also grab coffee for the team meeting. And to top it off, I'd accidentally used salt instead of sugar in those bake sale cookies because I was so tired. It was a small thing, but in that moment, I felt like my extra mile was just... expected. It made me question if my contributions were truly valued or just seen as part of the "office mum" service package. There were definitely times I felt so overwhelmed I considered just quitting everything, but then I remembered why I started and that kept me going. What feels like a tiny little push today, will become something much bigger tomorrow.

You become the go-to person for everything from birthday cakes to mediating office dramas, all while juggling your actual job responsibilities. And while it might feel good to be needed (we women are wired that way, aren't we?), it can also be incredibly draining and leave you feeling undervalued and underutilized. Like your amazing talents are being taken for granted, quietly tucked away under the rug of "office culture." Sound familiar? Thought so!

Now, I'm not saying it's your fault. There are definitely systemic issues at play here, societal expectations that subtly nudge women into these roles. Remember that primary school teacher who told me to "shut up & sit down" when I was just trying to ask a question? Yeah, some of those deep-seated messages about women being "helpful" & "quiet" can follow us into adulthood. (My dad, bless him, wasn't having any of it, though. He'd be up on tables, shouting at teachers who tried to silence me! That's a story for another time, but it definitely taught me the importance of using my voice.)

But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? How can you reclaim those incredible "mum" skills and turn them into the driving force behind your own success? After all, as the old saying goes, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

Mothering Your Own Venture: From "Office Tasks" to Empire Building

Here’s a radical thought: What if you channeled that nurturing energy, that organizational brilliance, that innate ability to make things happen, into building something that’s truly yours?

Think about it. You’re already a master of multitasking, resource management, & problem-solving. You probably have a black belt in diplomacy & crisis management (hello, toddler tantrums!). These aren't just "soft skills," lovely; they’re the superpowers of a successful entrepreneur.

Imagine taking all that amazing energy and pouring it into your own venture. Instead of organizing the office birthday party, you're strategizing your next product launch. Instead of mediating colleague disputes, you're building a thriving community of clients who adore you. Ever considered taking these superpowers & creating your own business? This can also be a powerful way to reclaim your autonomy & finally have the flexibility to manage those 12-13 weeks of school holidays without the corporate constraints.

The Business Flourish Framework: Designing a Business that Works for YOU

This is where my Business Flourish Framework comes in. It’s the system I created to help women, especially mothers, build businesses that not only thrive, but also fit seamlessly into their actual lives. No more "hustle culture" or sacrificing family time for a few extra quid.

• Focus: Gaining clarity on your vision and overcoming limiting beliefs.

• Flair: Crafting authentic branding & marketing strategies to connect with your ideal client.

• Flow: Streamlining your operations with effective systems and processes to reclaim time & energy.

• Fuel: Prioritizing your wellbeing to avoid burnout and enjoy the journey.

• Fusion: Working smarter, not just harder, by integrating AI to enhance all aspects of your business. For example, you can use AI to automate social media postings, freeing up your time for strategic planning or connecting with clients. Remember what Steven Bartlett said: “It’s not necessarily the smartest who succeed, but the ones who know how to work with others.”

I remember trying to run my first online business while juggling a newborn and studying for my degree. It felt like trying to build a house of cards in a hurricane! (My little one had a particular fondness for using my laptop as a canvas for her artistic… explorations, let's just say.) It was through that experience that I realized how crucial it is to have the right systems and mindset in place. It's the system that's going to help us navigate the inevitable overwhelm.

From Employee to Entrepreneur: Taking the Leap

I know what you’re thinking: "Carlene, that sounds amazing, but I'm terrified! I can't just quit my job and start a business. I have responsibilities."

Believe me, I get it. I've been there. I had four kids, a mortgage, and a mountain of self-doubt to contend with when I left the corporate world. (And let’s not even talk about the logistical nightmare of managing two energetic Miniature Pinschers – Espresso is always bouncing off the walls – while trying to write a business plan!) The juggle is real.

But here’s the truth: you are capable of so much more than you think. That "Office Mum" role you’ve been playing? It’s been training you for this. It's given you invaluable skills that are highly transferable to the entrepreneurial world.

It's not going to be easy. Building a business takes work. But it’s about working smart, not just hard. It’s about leveraging those innate talents you already have, building systems that support you, and having the right mindset to navigate the inevitable ups & downs. If you're a Foundation Builder feeling a bit lost in the woods, working smart is especially important. You've got so much on your plate already! It’s about focusing your energy on activities that move the needle, rather than scattering your efforts and ending up burnt out.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're ready to explore how you can reclaim your power & design a business that truly flourishes, join our free Femme:Connect community. It's a space for ambitious women entrepreneurs to connect, support each other, & gain access to valuable resources that can help you on your journey. Femme:Connect Community Page

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

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!

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