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Level Up Your Business: The Ultimate Guide to Networking for Female Entrepreneurs in the UK Ever feel like you're navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster solo? Like you're building this amazing business, juggling all the things, but missing that crucial spark of connection, that sense of belonging to a tribe of like-minded women who get it? Believe me, I've been there – one eyeliner on, toddler attached to my leg, trying to decipher a business email while simultaneously negotiating a truce between Cappuccino & Espresso (my two miniature pinschers, who, let's just say, have their own unique brand of morning mayhem). Honestly, it’s one of those mornings, right? The juggle is real, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. That’s where the magic of networking comes in. & I’m not talking about awkward small talk & forced smiles over lukewarm coffee. I'm talking about building genuine connections, finding your "tribe," & unlocking opportunities that can truly catapult your business (and your sanity!) forward. Just ask Sarah, who went from struggling freelancer to fully booked coach in just six months after finding her ideal clients through a local networking group – talk about a momentum shift! It's about who you know, but even more about who knows you and the value you bring. For female entrepreneurs in the UK, especially us busy mums, strategic networking is non-negotiable. It’s about building a powerful support system, gaining invaluable insights, & unlocking doors you didn't even know existed. The UK, in particular, has a vibrant ecosystem of support specifically for women in business, from grassroots community groups to high-level peer advisory boards – a far cry from the "every woman for herself" vibe I sometimes encountered in corporate. So grab your favourite cuppa (or a glass of wine – it's wine o’clock somewhere!), settle in, & let’s dive into the UK’s best networking groups specifically for women like us, tailored to your unique stage of business growth. Finding Your Tribe: The Best UK Networking Groups for Female Entrepreneurs Finding the right networking group can feel like searching for the perfect pair of shoes: it needs to fit just right, support your unique journey, & make you feel confident stepping into your next level. Think of Goldilocks trying on those bears' chairs – you're looking for the "just right" fit for your business. Here’s a curated selection to get you started: Foundation Builders: Taking those first exciting (and often terrifying!) steps Enterprise Nation: A vibrant hub of resources & networking opportunities for small businesses at all stages, but especially helpful for those just starting out. They offer online & in-person events, expert advice, & a supportive community to help you navigate those early-stage hurdles. She Means Business: A Facebook group specifically for female entrepreneurs in the UK. Think of it as a virtual coffee morning where you can ask "silly" questions (trust me, we all have them!), share wins, & get support from women who understand the juggle. The Spark Program: Speaking of support, sometimes the best way to combat the early-stage loneliness & overwhelm is through structured guidance, dedicated mentorship, & a community of peers at the exact same stage. If you're ready to validate your idea & gain crystal clarity on your ideal client & niche, you can explore our Spark Program Page here: Spark Program Page Scaling Leaders: Ready to Level Up & Build a Thriving Business Forward Ladies: Focuses on connecting & empowering women in business through regional events, workshops, & mentoring programmes. They offer great opportunities to build your network, gain valuable insights from successful women, & access funding resources. AllBright: A membership club with physical spaces & a robust online community, designed to connect & empower women at all levels. Offers high-quality networking events, workshops, & a sense of belonging. Momentum Coaching: If you’re a Scaling Leader looking for personalised guidance on optimising systems, scaling strategies, & mindset mastery to achieve sustainable growth without burnout – because who has time for burnout when you’re already juggling all the things?! – our Momentum Coaching programme might be just what you need. To learn how we can help you sustainably scale & attract premium clients, see here: Momentum Coaching Page Visionary Leaders: Leading with Impact & Building a Legacy Vistage: A global peer advisory organisation with groups specifically for CEOs & business owners. Provides a confidential space for strategic discussion, peer mentorship, & high-level support from experienced Chairs. The Supper Club: Focuses on connecting & empowering female founders building high-growth businesses. Offers exclusive events, peer mentoring, & access to investment opportunities. Ascend Executive Coaching: For Visionary Leaders ready for exponential growth, strategic planning, & the next level of leadership, our Ascend Executive Coaching (application only) provides the bespoke support & high-level connections you need. If you are ready for exponential growth, you can learn more about Ascend here (application only): Ascend Executive Coaching Page Maximising the Magic: Tips for Strategic Networking Joining a group is just the first step. To truly unlock the power of networking, you need to be strategic, intentional, & dare I say, a little bit brave. I remember once turning up to a networking event – heels on, ready to conquer the world – only to realise I'd grabbed my six-year-old's lunch bag (complete with a half-eaten banana & a Paw Patrol juice box) instead of my own, stylish, "business owner" tote. Mortifying! But you know what? I took a deep breath, channeled my inner "big deal energy," laughed it off, and ended up having a great conversation with another mum who’d done something remarkably similar. It’s those real, "cringe but true" moments that connect us, right? Here’s your 3-step checklist for maximising every networking opportunity: Clarify Your Networking "Why": Before you even think about attending an event or joining a group, ask yourself this: "What are my top three goals for networking? What tangible outcomes do I want to achieve?" Is it client referrals? Strategic partnerships? Mentorship opportunities? Simply expanding your support network & combating that entrepreneurial isolation? Writing these down will transform your networking from random chats into focused, strategic connections. Research Your Tribe: Don't just jump into the first group that pops up on Google. Explore different options, read reviews, check out their social media presence, & imagine yourself in the room (virtual or otherwise). What kind of vibe do they give off? Do their values align with yours? Does their typical member profile match your business goals & stage? It’s crucial to find a group that feels like a good fit – kind of like finding the right educational environment. I remember my initial university experience being a total mismatch (homesickness, course didn’t resonate, definitely didn’t find my “tribe”), but then UEL was a breath of fresh air – I found my people, the course structure clicked, & I felt empowered to thrive, even as a young mum. Finding your networking “tribe” is just as important. Craft Your "Kitchen Table Chat" Intro: You absolutely need a clear & concise way to describe what you do & the magic you bring to the table, without sounding like you're reading from a script. So ditch the corporate jargon and rehearse a natural, engaging introduction – imagine you’re explaining it to a friend over coffee (or wine!). Focus on the transformation you offer your clients & the problems you solve. & seriously, don't be afraid to inject a little personality! My Gemini nature loves a witty aside. Overcoming the Networking Hurdles (Because, let’s be real, they exist!) Let's address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the screaming toddler demanding Paw Patrol in the background?). Networking can be challenging, especially for busy mums. I remember attending one of my first networking events as a newly minted MBA grad, convinced I needed to project this image of total confidence & business acumen. Inside, though, I felt like a total imposter – like I was going to be "found out" for not having all the answers. I even spilled coffee on myself trying to juggle a business card, a pen, and my handbag (it was one of those days). I felt so awkward & overwhelmed I almost left. But I took a deep breath, reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere, and focused on connecting authentically with just one person. It turned out several others felt the exact same way! Talking about our shared “messy middle” made the whole experience so much less intimidating. Here are some common hurdles & how to overcome them: Time Constraints: I get it. Time is a precious commodity when you’re juggling a business, family, & everything in between. Start small. Choose one networking event or group to focus on initially. Batch your outreach & follow-ups. Even 15 minutes of focused networking can yield significant results – think "psychological moonshots," small actions with big impact. Imposter Syndrome: That nagging voice that tells you you're not good enough, not experienced enough, not "expert" enough? Tell it to take a hike. You are absolutely worthy of being in the room (virtual or otherwise). Focus on the value you offer & the unique brilliance you bring to the table. Remember, every expert was once a beginner – & even now, with my MBA & PhD research, I still embrace being a constant learner. & seriously, what’s the worst that could happen? Someone doesn’t click with you? Rejection is just redirection, my lovely. Fear of Rejection: Let’s face it, not every connection will lead to a business opportunity. That’s perfectly normal. Reframe "rejection" as redirection. Perhaps that particular connection wasn’t the right fit, but it opened a door to another opportunity or simply broadened your network. Logistics (Kids, Pets, Life!): Plan ahead as much as possible. Arrange childcare, bribe the teenager with extra screen time (or a new TikTok dance lesson – whatever works!), & ensure the pets are entertained (a new chew toy for Espresso usually buys me an hour of peace!). If all else fails, embrace the chaos. Remember, we're all in this together. My kids have gate-crashed more Zoom calls than I care to admit (once, my two-year-old decided to redecorate the living room with peanut butter during a live training – talk about a learning experience!), & even my dogs have made surprise appearances during networking events. It’s all part of the fun! 🤣 Honestly, I try to remember that we’re all just doing our best, right? Building Your Community: More Than Just Connections Networking, when done strategically, is about so much more than just collecting business cards or boosting your LinkedIn connections. It's about building a strong support system, a community of women who lift each other up, celebrate each other’s wins (& commiserate over the shared challenges of spilled coffee, toddler tantrums, & puppy mayhem). Join our free global community, Femme:Connect , for a powerful dose of peer support, collaboration, & monthly connection events. It's the perfect place to find your "tribe" & experience the magic of networking firsthand. You can join Femme:Connect here: Femme:Connect Community Page . Honestly, there's nothing quite like that sense of belonging, is there? So lovely one, what's one small step you can take today to level up your networking game? Share your thoughts below! Let’s build this powerful community together. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

The 'Beautiful Chaos' Survival Guide: 3 Tiny Wellbeing Habits That Make a HUGE Difference When Launching Your Business Launching a business? It's exhilarating, terrifying, & – let's be honest here for a sec – utterly chaotic, especially when you're juggling the beautiful chaos of family life too. You know, the "one shoe on, cleaning Play-Doh out of the dog's fur" kind of morning? Or trying to craft a marketing strategy while a tiny human uses your laptop as a drum solo stage? We get it. I'm navigating this whirlwind myself with four little ones (plus two equally energetic miniature pinschers who think Zoom calls are an invitation to perform their latest interpretive dance routine). If you're in the Foundation Building stage, laying the groundwork for your empire amidst the pandemonium, this one's for you. You know that nagging feeling, though, right? The one whispering that something's gotta give? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking well-being has to wait – after the launch, after you land your first client, after things calm down (spoiler alert: "calm" is a mythical creature in the entrepreneurial mum's world!). But what if I told you prioritising your well-being from the get-go isn't a luxury, but a necessity ? It's your secret weapon against overwhelm and the fast track to sustainable success – without sacrificing your family or sanity. It’s not about hour-long yoga sessions or spa days (though, hey, if you can swing it, amazing!). It’s about tiny, intentional tweaks – micro-habits – that create a massive ripple effect, much like Rory Sutherland's "psychological moonshots," where small changes in perception yield big results. As Adrieen Weimer so rightly says, creating systems that provide you with freedom is key to achieving this. I've learned this the hard way. Trying to build a business while recovering from my fourth C-section and simultaneously pursuing my PhD has been… let's just say, a masterclass in resilience. One particularly memorable moment involved trying to decipher complex statistical analysis for my research with a toddler clinging to my leg and the baby needing a feed, all while battling a post-surgical headache. But it’s taught me the profound power of these micro-habits. Tiny Habit 1: The 3-Minute Energy Reset Launching a business & entrepreneurial success go hand-in-hand. It's like running a marathon – you need sustained energy. But what happens when you hit that 3pm slump, and your to-do list is longer than your toddler's attention span? Instead of a sugar rush & crash, try a 3-minute energy reset. Set a timer, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly. It's like hitting the reset button on your nervous system, giving your brain a micro-break to clear the clutter & refocus. This little trick saved me during my MBA. The intensity was crazy – all-nighters, group projects, trying to absorb new info while my little one was still a baby. These micro-breaks became my lifeline. Tiny Habit 2: The "One Thing" Power Hour Ever feel like you’re juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope? Yep, that’s the entrepreneurial life. It's easy to get lost in the chaos. The sheer volume of tasks can be paralysing. Focus is key. Enter: the "One Thing" Power Hour. Choose one crucial income-generating task for the day. Block out one hour (even 30 minutes). Dedicate it solely to that task. No distractions. Focused action on the one thing that will move your business forward. My ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship reinforces this: progress isn't about doing more, it's about consistently doing the right things, smartly & strategically. It's about finding your unique rhythm, even if it's slower, and owning your progress. Tiny Habit 3: The Gratitude Blitz This one’s deceptively simple, yet incredibly powerful. Before bed, jot down three things you’re grateful for. Anything: a supportive partner, a funny kid moment, a small business win. This isn’t just positive thinking; it’s rewiring your brain for abundance. Launching a business is a rollercoaster. Gratitude is the anchor. Honestly, I used to think this was a bit too "woo-woo," too "soft" for the hard-core world of business. There was a time when, drowning in self-doubt and post-partum exhaustion after my third daughter, the last thing on my mind was gratitude. I was barely keeping my head above water, let alone finding things to be thankful for. But seeing how it shifted my mindset and, quite literally, my bottom line – like the time a simple "thank you" email to a past client led to an unexpected referral that turned into a high-value project – I'm a total convert now. As Myron Golden says, "Money is a reward you get for solving problems," and sometimes, the biggest problem we need to solve is our own negativity. A recent study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that entrepreneurs who practiced gratitude reported increased productivity and higher levels of life satisfaction. So, there you have it – three tiny wellbeing habits designed to integrate into your "beautiful chaos," empowering you to build a business that thrives and supports a life you love. Ready to ditch the overwhelm & build a flourishing business? If you're ready to lay a rock-solid foundation & gain clarity on your niche, offer, & ideal client, our Spark Programme is your launchpad. Find out more & join the Spark revolution here: Spark Program Page . Want support & connection with amazing female entrepreneurs? Join our free Femme:Connect community here: 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond Tactics: The Heart & Hustle of Transformational Business Coaching for Ambitious Mothers in Business – A CEO's Perspective Right, let’s have a cuppa & a proper chat, shall we? As a fellow female entrepreneur – & a mum to four gorgeous, energetic little humans who keep life beautifully chaotic – I’ve been around the block a few times. I’ve seen the business coaching world from all angles: as a client, as a coach myself, & now as the CEO of Femmeprenista, a company dedicated to empowering women just like you to build thriving online businesses & lives they adore. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: not all business coaching is created equal, especially when you’re an ambitious mother juggling family, life, & business. You’ve probably seen the promises: “6-figures in 6 months!” or “Explode your sales with this one weird trick!” And while tactics & strategies absolutely have their place, what truly elevates a business coach from merely ‘good’ to genuinely transformational ? Ah, that’s where the real magic, the heart, & the smart hustle come in. It’s about so much more than a checklist of competencies. It's about finding a partner who doesn't just tell you what to do, but helps you become the leader who knows what to do for your unique journey. The Checklist is Just the Starting Line Don’t get me wrong, the foundational skills are vital. You absolutely want a coach who possesses: • Strategic Insight: Someone who can see the bigger picture, help you connect the dots, & offer genuinely smart business acumen. My own MBA at Cranfield was like a series of little explosions going off in my head – I realised the power of real strategic thinking, & it’s something I believe every entrepreneur deserves access to. • Exceptional Communication: They need to be able to convey complex ideas clearly, & more importantly, listen – really listen – to what you’re saying, & often, what you’re not. • Active Listening Skills: This isn't just nodding along. It's about hearing the nuances, the underlying fears, the unspoken dreams. These are the table stakes, the price of entry. But for ambitious mothers in business, the women I know & serve, that’s just not enough. We need more. We deserve more. We need a coach who understands the unique rhythm of our lives, the beautiful chaos we navigate daily – you know, those ‘one eyeliner on because you were trying to find that missing school shoe again ’ kind of mornings! The 'X-Factor': What Truly Elevates a Business Coach for Us So, what is this elusive 'x-factor'? From my perspective, as a CEO, a mother, & someone who’s always questioning, "Is this the best way of doing things?", here’s what I believe truly makes a coach transformational: 1. Fostering Radical Personal Responsibility This is a big one for me, & it’s at the core of the Femmeprenista philosophy. A truly transformational coach doesn’t offer quick fixes or encourage blaming external circumstances. Instead, they empower you to take radical personal responsibility for your journey, your decisions, & your results. Life happens, kids get sick, launches don’t go to plan – that’s the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. But a great coach helps you see that while you can't always control the circumstances, you always control your response. They help you cultivate the mindset to ask: • "Okay, this happened. What's my next best move?" • "What can I learn?" • "How can I own this?" This is about building unshakeable resilience & becoming the true CEO of your life & business. It’s about understanding that your path, your pace – even if it feels slower because you’re juggling a PhD & four children like I am – is yours to own. And that ownership is incredibly powerful. You know, it's funny, even after years of coaching others on this, I still sometimes catch myself wanting to blame the algorithm when a post flops! Then I have to give myself a little pep talk: "Okay, Carlene, what can you control? How can you tweak the message & try again?" Taking ownership is a constant practice, not a destination. To be honest, that Apple corporate experience—where I was a scapegoat despite owning a mistake—taught me that blaming the system is easy, taking control is the challenge. 2. Deeply Understanding the "Beautiful Chaos" There's a world of difference between a coach who sympathises with you being a busy mum & one who strategically understands it. A transformational coach for a mother in business ‘gets’ the juggle on a profound level. They understand that "work-life balance" is often less about perfect equilibrium & more about dynamic integration. They appreciate that your energy levels, your focus, & your time are precious, often fragmented resources. They don’t offer solutions that only work if you have endless child-free hours. Instead, they help you find ways to work smarter, to build a business that supports your family life, not one that constantly competes with it. They understand that sometimes, the background hum of Dora the Explorer is just part of the entrepreneurial soundscape, & they help you build systems & strategies that work within that reality, not against it. 3. Championing Holistic Success (It’s More Than Just the P&L) Profit is important, absolutely. But for most Femmeprenistas I know, success is a much richer, more textured tapestry. It’s about impact, fulfilment, freedom, & well-being – for ourselves & our families. A transformational coach champions this holistic vision. One client, a talented artist, came to me chasing ' Insta-fame' but feeling completely burnt out & disconnected from her work. We shifted the focus from followers to fulfillment , & she started creating art that truly resonated with her soul, leading to more authentic connections & more profit than she’d ever imagined. This is precisely why we developed The Business Flourish Framework at Femmeprenista. It’s built on the understanding that a thriving business requires: • Focus: Cultivating a resilient mindset, crystal-clear vision, & the confidence to lead (yourself first!). • Flair: Developing an authentic brand & marketing messages that genuinely connect with your ideal clients, making your voice heard. • Flow: Implementing streamlined systems, perhaps leveraging smart AI tools, to create ease, reclaim your time, & allow your business to operate smoothly. • Fuel: Prioritising your well-being & energy so you can perform sustainably, avoiding burnout & ensuring your business energises rather than drains you. • And Fusion , the strategic integration of AI, is woven through all of this to amplify your efforts & help you work smarter. A great coach helps you strengthen all these areas, understanding that true success is when your business & your life flourish together . They help you build a business that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper. 4. Guiding You to Your Authentic Voice & Intuition One of the most powerful things a coach can do is help you connect with your own inner wisdom & authentic voice. My own educational journey taught me the profound importance of finding the right environment & listening to my intuition – moving from a school where I felt silenced to one where I could thrive, & later choosing a university that was a true fit for me . A transformational coach doesn’t impose a one-size-fits-all blueprint. They understand that what worked for someone else might not be right for you, your business, or your unique brand of beautiful chaos. Instead, they ask powerful questions, challenge your assumptions, & create a safe space for you to explore what truly resonates. They guide you to unearth your answers, to trust your gut, & to build a business that is a true reflection of who you are & the impact you want to make. This is where tailored support becomes so critical. Key Qualities Through the Femmeprenista Lens When you’re looking for that coach who can truly partner with you on your journey, ask yourself: • Does this coach combine empathy with strategic insight? It’s not enough to just ‘get’ that you’re tired. A great coach should combine deep empathy with strategic thinking to help you find practical solutions that honour your reality. • Can I implicitly trust their ethics & commitment? This should be a given. You need to trust your coach implicitly. Their commitment should be to your holistic success, not just to their own bottom line. • Do they master the art of constructive challenge? A truly supportive coach isn’t afraid to gently, but firmly, challenge your limiting beliefs or call you forward when you’re playing small. This isn't about criticism; it's about seeing your potential & helping you step into it. • Are they truly empowering my agency & setting me up for sustainable growth? The ultimate goal of great coaching isn't to create dependency. It’s to empower you with the skills, mindset, & strategies to build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your own terms, long after the coaching engagement ends. They champion your agency every step of the way. Finding Your Strategic Partner for the Journey Ahead Choosing a business coach is a significant decision. It’s an investment of your precious time, energy, & money. What you’re looking for, especially as a discerning Femmeprenista, isn't just an advisor; you're looking for a strategic partner, a champion, someone who will walk alongside you, celebrate your wins, help you navigate the inevitable challenges, & hold the vision for what’s possible, even when you can’t quite see it yourself. It’s about finding someone who understands that your version of success integrates every facet of your life. Someone who gets that being an ambitious entrepreneur & a devoted mother aren't mutually exclusive identities, but powerful, synergistic forces. They help you create an environment where both your business & your family can thrive. If you want to explore more about how Femmeprenista embodies this philosophy of deep, holistic support, you can learn more about About Carlene Nisbett / Our Philosophy . Ultimately, the right coach for you will feel like a true ally, someone who not only provides expert guidance but also champions your unique brilliance & empowers you to build a business that is not only profitable but profoundly fulfilling – a business that truly reflects the incredible woman you are. So, as you consider your next level of growth, I encourage you to look beyond the tactics. Seek out that coach who offers the heart & the hustle, the strategy & the soul. Because that’s where real transformation happens. If you're ready to explore what this kind of transformational partnership could look like for your business, & find a business coach for female entrepreneurs who truly understands the journey of ambitious mothers in business, I warmly invite you to Explore Momentum Coaching signature 1:1 coaching accelerator. And, as always, for ongoing support, inspiration, & connection with like-minded female entrepreneurs, our Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community is always open. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Designing Your Legacy: Why Proactive Succession Planning is the Ultimate Power Move for Visionary Female Founders of Online Businesses Let’s be honest, the word “succession planning” can sound a bit… well, dry, can’t it? Like something reserved for dusty corporate boardrooms or when you’re thinking about hanging up your entrepreneurial boots entirely, decades from now. But what if I told you that for us ambitious female founders of online businesses – especially those of us juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood alongside our empires – thinking about succession isn't just some far-off “exit strategy”? What if it’s actually one of the most empowering, strategic, & dare I say, empowering moves you can make, right now? If you’re a Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose Visionary Leader or an ambitious Scaling Leader (our "Amy-Type" – that’s someone with an established business actively scaling), with big dreams, then this is for you. It’s time to reframe succession planning not as an ending, but as an essential part of strategic leadership – a way to build enduring value, secure your personal fulfillment, & truly design the legacy you want to leave. Beyond the Exit: Succession Planning as Strategic Leadership For many of us, particularly when we pour our heart & soul into building an online business from scratch, the idea of stepping away, or even just planning for a future where we might not be at the helm 24/7, can feel a bit alien. Our businesses often feel like an extension of ourselves, another child almost! But here’s a perspective shift I gained through my own journey, especially during my MBA at Cranfield. I realised that true strategic leadership isn’t just about the day-to-day wins or the next big launch. It’s about building something resilient, something with intrinsic value that transcends your personal involvement. Succession planning, viewed through this lens, becomes an ongoing process of fortifying your business, making it stronger, more adaptable, & ultimately, more impactful in the long run. It’s about ensuring the mission you started continues, & that your hard-won success creates lasting ripples. Think of it less like planning your retirement party & more like planting a neglected garden – it requires constant tending & pruning, not just an initial investment. It’s about ensuring the business can flourish, whether you’re actively leading it, taking a step back, or pursuing a new passion. This proactive approach isn't just good business sense; it’s a powerful act of ownership. The Deeply Personal Nature of Legacy for Female Founders & Mums As female entrepreneurs, & particularly as mothers, our definition of legacy often goes far beyond the financial bottom line. Yes, we want to build wealth & financial freedom, of course. But for so many of us I speak to, legacy is also about: Family Security: Creating a stable & prosperous future for our children, ensuring they benefit from the fruits of our hard work & dedication. As a mum of four myself, this is always front & centre in my mind. The late nights, the early mornings, the constant juggle – a huge part of that is for them. Continuing a Mission: Many of us start our businesses driven by a deep sense of purpose, a desire to solve a particular problem or make a specific impact. A well-thought-out succession plan can ensure that this mission continues to thrive & serve others, even if our role changes. Achieving New Forms of Work-Life Integration: Let’s be real, the entrepreneurial journey is intense. Proactive succession planning can be a pathway to reclaiming more time, energy, & freedom for other areas of your life, allowing you to evolve your relationship with your business into one that supports a new chapter of personal fulfillment. Perhaps it’s more travel, more time with family, or even launching a new venture without the pressure of your current business collapsing. This holistic view of success, where your business serves your life & your broader legacy, is something we champion at Femmeprenista. It’s not just about the hustle; it’s about building something meaningful & sustainable that aligns with your deepest values. My own decision to pursue entrepreneurship over climbing the corporate ladder was largely driven by this desire for autonomy & the ability to create a life, & a business, that truly reflected what mattered to me. You can read a bit more about my journey & the 'why' behind Femmeprenista here . Building a 'Succession-Ready' Online Business: Practical Steps So, how do you actually start building an online business that’s ‘succession-ready’? It’s not about instantly finding your replacement. It’s about embedding strength & transferability into the very fabric of your operations. Here are some key areas to focus on: Develop Robust Systems & Processes: This is absolutely fundamental. Clear, documented, & efficient systems are essential. These systems should cover everything from client onboarding & service delivery to marketing workflows & financial management. They make your business less dependent on you & more on the process . Think about how you can streamline operations, perhaps even leveraging smart AI tools to automate routine tasks & create truly efficient workflows. This not only makes your business more valuable but also easier for someone else to understand & manage. Example: For client onboarding, we use a streamlined process with Typeform, Zapier & Asana, triggered automatically, ensuring a seamless experience every time. Cultivate a Strong, Transferable Brand: While your personal brand as a founder is often a huge asset, especially in the online space, aim to build a business brand that has its own distinct identity & value. This involves clear messaging, a defined target audience, & a reputation that extends beyond your individual charisma. The stronger & more independent your business brand, the more attractive it becomes as a standalone entity. Example: We focus our brand messaging on "Empowering Female Founders," not just "Carlene's Coaching," ensuring that the brand's core value proposition remains clear regardless of who leads it. Build a Capable & Empowered Team (if applicable): If you have a team, or plan to, investing in their development & empowering them to take ownership is crucial. Delegating effectively & fostering a culture of competence means the business isn't solely reliant on your genius. Even if you're a solopreneur right now, think about which tasks could eventually be outsourced or delegated to make the business more self-sufficient. Example: I delegate social media content creation to a VA using a detailed brief & brand guidelines, giving them autonomy while maintaining brand consistency. Ensure Financial Clarity & Health: Clean, transparent, & well-organised financials are non-negotiable. This not only gives you a clear picture of your business’s health but is essential for any future valuation, sale, or transition. Example: We use Quickbooks & have a monthly review meeting with a financial advisor, making sure all is transparent and up to date. Protect Your Intellectual Property: For online businesses, your IP – be it course content, software, unique methodologies, or trademarks – is a significant asset. Ensure it’s properly protected. Example: We trademarked "Femmeprenista" & legally protect our course content, methodologies, & frameworks to ensure we're the only ones who can use it. These practical steps are all about building a business that is inherently valuable & resilient, which aligns perfectly with how we approach holistic business growth within the How We Work / The Business Flourish Framework . It’s about creating a business that truly flourishes, from its internal operations to its external impact. I think of Michelle Obama who has worked so hard for girls & women all over the world. Her legacy work through her programs & the Girls Opportunity Alliance is an amazing example of what lasting impact looks like. The All-Important Mindset Shift: From Indispensable to Architect Perhaps the biggest piece of the puzzle in proactive succession planning is the internal one – the mindset shift required from you, the visionary founder. It often involves moving from being the indispensable heart of the business to becoming the architect of its future. This means: Embracing a New Role: Your value evolves from doing everything to designing & overseeing a business that can thrive with less of your direct operational involvement. Letting Go (a Little!): This can be tough! It means trusting your systems, your team (if you have one), & the structures you’ve built. It’s about empowering others & resisting the urge to micromanage. I remember when my eldest was learning to ride her bike; there came a point where I had to let go of the saddle, even though it felt scary. She wobbled, but eventually, she found her balance. It’s a similar feeling. And, honestly, there was a time when I was terrified to let go of control in my business. I honestly believed only I could do certain tasks, a belief born more from fear than reality! Recognizing this was my first step to building robust processes. Envisioning Your Next Chapter: Succession planning isn’t just about the business’s future; it’s about your future too. What do you want your life to look like? What new challenges or passions do you want to pursue? Having a clear vision for your own next steps can make the process of planning for the business’s evolution much more exciting & purposeful. For me, embarking on my PhD while running a business & raising a family has been a journey of constantly evolving my role & embracing new challenges, always learning & growing. Focusing on Legacy Over Ego: True visionary leadership is about building something that outlasts you. It requires setting ego aside & making decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the business & its mission. This shift requires a deep level of self-awareness & a commitment to your own growth as a leader. It’s about understanding that your ultimate power move is creating something that is so well-designed, it can continue to create impact, even when you’re sipping that well-deserved cuppa (or glass of wine!) somewhere fabulous. Taking Ownership of Your Business’s Future: The Ultimate Power Move Ultimately, proactive succession planning is the ultimate act of personal responsibility & strategic foresight for us female founders. It’s about taking complete ownership not just of your business’s present success, but also of its enduring future & the legacy it will create. It’s about ensuring that all the late nights, the risks taken, the passion poured in, culminates in something truly lasting – for your family, for your clients, for your community, & for yourself. This isn’t something to be feared or put off. It’s an empowering process that, when approached thoughtfully, can bring immense clarity, peace of mind, & even a renewed sense of purpose to your entrepreneurial journey. So, are you ready to start designing your legacy, not as a distant dream, but as a deliberate, powerful act of leadership today? If you’re a Visionary Leader steering an established online business & the idea of strategically designing your legacy, evolving your leadership, & ensuring the long-term impact of your work resonates deeply, then our Ascend programme is crafted for you. Ascend is a premier 12-month 1:1 strategic partnership focused on exactly this kind of high-level thinking, advanced scaling, & holistic high performance. It’s where we dive deep into architecting not just your business's future, but yours too. Join the conversation & get more insights: Join Our Facebook Community Today. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Strategically Choosing Your Growth Partner: Distinguishing Life vs. Business Coaching to Fuel Your Femmeprenista Success Ever found yourself swirling in a sea of coaching options, wondering what kind of support you actually need to take your business – & let’s be honest, your life – to the next level? Honestly, if you’ve typed "what's the difference between a life coach & a business coach?" into Google late at night, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a question I hear all the time, & one that, from my perspective as a CEO, mother of four, & doctoral researcher About , deserves a far more strategic answer than a simple dictionary definition. Because here’s the thing, lovely: choosing your growth partner isn't just about picking a title. It's a pivotal strategic decision. It’s an act of profound personal responsibility that can quite literally make or break your momentum, especially when you're an ambitious female entrepreneur juggling all the magnificent, messy, & downright demanding parts of life alongside your business dreams. I’ve seen too many brilliant women pour their precious time, energy, & hard-earned cash into support that wasn’t quite the right fit for their specific challenges or their grand vision. & trust me, I’ve been there! I remember early on, I felt so overwhelmed after my MBA I hired a "mindset guru" who was amazing at affirmations but clueless about practical marketing. I felt energized but directionless, & it took me months to realize I needed someone who could also help me build a real business strategy – a mistake that cost me time & money, but taught me the value of targeted expertise. As someone who’s navigated the entrepreneurial rollercoaster whilst doing my MBA with a baby (like my now six-year-old), & now my PhD with two little ones underfoot, believe me, I understand the critical importance of getting the right kind of targeted support at the right time. It's not just about working hard; it's about working smart, & that starts with smart choices. So, let’s cut through the noise & get crystal clear on how to strategically discern the type of coaching that will truly fuel your Femmeprenista success. Beyond Just Definitions: Why This Choice is a Strategic Masterstroke It’s easy to get bogged down in semantics, isn’t it? "Life coach helps with life, business coach helps with business." Simple. But oh, if only it were that straightforward! The reality is, understanding the core focus & intended outcomes of each is a crucial strategic act. Think of it this way: Life Coaching, at its heart, is often focused on your personal development, well-being, & overcoming internal blocks. It’s about helping you understand yourself better, improve your personal life, navigate transitions, & build personal resilience. This is incredibly valuable work, helping you strengthen your inner foundations & cultivate the vital energy needed to pursue your goals – something we deeply value at Femmeprenista when we talk about building mental resilience & prioritising your well-being so your business energises rather than drains you. Many people ask about life coaching – what it is, how to become one, typical salaries, or if you need certification. Generally, life coaches support personal goals, & while formal certification isn't always legally required in the UK, reputable coaches often seek accreditation from bodies like the ICF or AC. Their focus is on personal growth, not typically on specific business scaling strategies. Business Coaching, on the other hand, is primarily geared towards strategic business growth. It’s about tangible results like market penetration, operational efficiency, system implementation, & ultimately, increased profitability & impact. This is where you dive deep into crafting your authentic brand, developing marketing strategies that truly connect, & building streamlined systems to ensure your business not only runs smoothly but can scale sustainably. I've recently integrated AI into my coaching practice to provide cutting-edge, efficient results. As you know, I am a big fan of streamlining processes. Choosing between them isn't just about what sounds nice; it’s about honestly assessing where your most significant leverage point for growth currently lies & taking ownership of that assessment is a powerful act of self-leadership. The Femmeprenista Reality: When Life & Business Dance Together Now, let’s be completely honest. For us female entrepreneurs, & especially for us mums, life & business aren’t neatly compartmentalised. They’re beautifully, sometimes chaotically, interwoven. A sleepless night with a teething toddler will impact your focus the next day. A limiting belief about your worth will affect how you price your services. That’s just our reality. I remember when my eldest was small, & I was navigating my first degree; the lines between student, mother, & aspiring entrepreneur were so blurred they were practically invisible! Trying to absorb marketing theory while simultaneously deciphering nursery rhymes felt like a masterclass in multitasking. & now, with four children, including a baby & a toddler, whilst pursuing my PhD & running Femmeprenista, that intricate dance continues. Some days it’s a graceful waltz; other days, it’s a case of needing a double shot of Espresso before even contemplating the chaos! So, yes, the most impactful coaching for us often does recognise this incredible synergy. However, that doesn’t mean every coach is equally adept at navigating both personal undercurrents & complex business strategy with genuine depth. The key is to assess a coach's primary area of expertise & how authentically they integrate these facets, rather than assuming one person can, or should, master it all. Decoding the "Hybrid Coach": A Word of Empowered Caution ( & Opportunity) This brings us to the rise of the "life & business coach" or the "mindset & business coach." & from my perspective, this model can be incredibly powerful – if the coach possesses genuine, demonstrable depth in both domains and, crucially, a clear, integrated methodology. The rising popularity of these integrated approaches reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between personal well-being & business success. It’s a bit like expecting a brilliant heart surgeon to also be a world-class architect. Both are incredibly skilled, but their core expertise lies in different, highly specialised fields. At Femmeprenista, our Business Flourish Framework is an example of such an integrated methodology. It’s built on pillars that address mindset & clarity (Focus), authentic marketing (Flair), efficient systems (Flow), & personal well-being (Fuel), with intelligent AI integration (Fusion) woven throughout. But our primary strength, our core delivery, is in strategic business coaching – helping you build & scale a thriving enterprise. The personal empowerment aspect is deeply embedded because we know you can't separate the entrepreneur from the enterprise, but the vehicle for that empowerment is robust business growth. So, if you’re considering a "hybrid coach," empower yourself by asking critical questions: What is their specific track record in business growth for clients similar to you? Can they show tangible results? What is their methodology for integrating life/mindset coaching with concrete business strategy? Is it clearly articulated? Where does their deepest training & experience lie? How do they ensure you’re not getting diluted expertise in either area? This isn't about being cynical; it's about being a savvy, responsible CEO of your own life & business. Taking ownership of vetting your support is paramount. What's Your Core Challenge Right Now? Matching Support to Your Season The "right" type of coaching isn't static; it evolves with your journey & your most pressing current challenge. Are you a 'Foundation Builder' (like our Chloe, in the idea validation or early launch stage)? Perhaps you’re wrestling with deep-seated fears about visibility, struggling with self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed by the very idea of starting. In this case, support that helps you build unwavering self-belief & gain clarity on your vision might feel like the most pressing need. A life coach could help with the personal blocks, or a business coach with a strong mindset component could help you build that foundational confidence within the context of defining your business idea. Are you a 'Scaling Leader' (like our Amy, an established business actively scaling)? You’ve likely got traction, you know your offer works, but now you’re hitting a plateau. You need concrete strategies to attract premium clients, implement scalable systems, perhaps build a team, & increase profitability without burning out. Here, a strategic business coach who understands market dynamics, operational efficiency, & sustainable growth models is likely your best bet. Are you a 'Visionary Leader' (like our Sofia, a highly successful CEO looking at legacy)? You're leading an established, successful business & looking at legacy, exponential growth, & high-level strategic leadership. Your coaching needs will be sophisticated & tailored to navigating complex decisions & optimising for large-scale impact. Honest self-assessment here is key. Is your primary bottleneck right now an internal, personal one that’s stopping you from taking any action? Or is it a lack of specific, actionable business strategies & systems to translate your existing drive into tangible results? Clarity on this will prevent you from investing in support that, while valuable in its own right, doesn’t address your most critical need, thereby saving you time, money, & frustration & accelerating your results. The Femmeprenista Way: Holistic Business Empowerment in Action So, where does Femmeprenista fit into this? As I mentioned, our coaching programs, like Spark Program Page for those validating their ideas, Launch Programme Page for those ready to build systems & get first clients, or our signature Momentum Coaching Page for established entrepreneurs ready to scale, are unashamedly strategic business coaching programs. Our primary goal is to equip you with the strategies, systems, & support to build a financially thriving, impactful, & sustainable business. However, this is all deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of you, the entrepreneur, as a whole person. We know that building a resilient CEO mindset is just as crucial as crafting a killer marketing plan. We understand that your personal well-being is the fuel for your business engine. That’s why our approach, guided by the Business Flourish Framework, seamlessly integrates personal empowerment & mindset mastery within a robust business growth structure. We believe in creating fulfilling success without the burnout, enabling you to design a business that truly serves your life. You can learn more about our overall philosophy on supporting ambitious women Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support . It reflects my own journey & deep-seated belief that true success is holistic. It’s not just about the balance sheet; it’s about building a business that allows you to live a life you genuinely love, with the freedom, flexibility, & fulfillment you deserve. It’s about wealth consciousness in all areas of your life. As Jim Rohn teaches: “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” Making Your Empowered Choice Choosing a coach is one of the most significant investments you'll make in your entrepreneurial journey. Don't leave it to chance or a gut feeling alone. Here’s a checklist to make your choice: Define your core need: Is it primarily a personal development block, or a business strategy & execution gap? Ask yourself: "What's really holding me back – my mindset, or my marketing?" Understand the primary focus: Life coaching for personal evolution, business coaching for strategic enterprise growth. Then, ask potential coaches: "What % of your time do you spend on mindset work vs. business strategy?" Vet "hybrid" coaches diligently: Look for proven depth in both areas & a clear, integrated methodology. When interviewing them, ask: "Can you give me specific examples of how you've integrated mindset & strategy for past clients?" Seek alignment: Choose a coach whose philosophy & approach resonate deeply with your values & vision for success. To assess this, ask: "What are your core values as a coach, and how do you integrate them into your work?" This strategic discernment is an act of personal responsibility, an empowering step towards ensuring your precious resources are channelled effectively to fuel your unique version of Femmeprenista success. Making the right choice here can be the difference between feeling stuck & experiencing incredible momentum. It’s about finding a partner who can help you not just dream bigger, but achieve bigger, in a way that’s aligned, sustainable, & deeply fulfilling. If you're a Scaling Leader, ready to implement tailored strategies, attract premium clients, build those smart, AI-enhanced systems, & master your CEO mindset for sustainable growth, then our Momentum Coaching Page accelerator might be the strategic partnership you’re looking for. It’s where we dive deep into building your thriving business, holistically. & for connection, peer support, & a vibrant community of ambitious women at all stages, I’d love to welcome you into our free global community, Femme:Connect Community Page . It's a wonderful space to continue these kinds of conversations! Here’s to making empowered choices & building businesses that truly flourish! 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

My Essential Femmeprenista Toolkit: Navigating the Beautiful Chaos (and Loving It!) Okay, let's keep it real. Being a CEO & a mum of four is…well, it's a whole vibe, isn't it? For Foundation Builders, especially those of us juggling kiddos and clients, beautiful chaos is putting it mildly! One minute I'm mapping out an AI-driven marketing strategy, the next I'm mediating a squabble between my toddler & Espresso (our hyperactive Miniature Pinscher puppy) over the prime sofa real estate (spoiler alert: the puppy usually wins!). And that’s before my teenage daughter throws in a sulk for good measure. Anyone else relate? Thought so! It's a constant juggle – a whirlwind of sticky fingers, pressing deadlines, and the ever-present background soundtrack of CBeebies. Sometimes I feel like I need noise-cancelling headphones just to remember my own name. I get it. We get it. But here’s the secret sauce: I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This life – this crazy, beautiful blend of business & babies – is mine. And it can be yours too. I truly believe ambitious women, especially mothers, can have it all. Not in a perfectly filtered, Instagram-perfect way, but in a real, messy, deeply fulfilling way. But it's not going to magically appear overnight. You have to own the journey, as I always say. Truthfully, even I struggle with fully owning my calendar some days – the pull of "just one more email" is real! The key? Working smarter, not harder. And that's where my essential toolkit comes in. These are the actual resources – the nitty-gritty tools & mindset shifts – that I personally use every single day to navigate this incredible, imperfect journey. I'm talking about the stuff that helps me keep my sanity (mostly!), stay focused (as much as humanly possible with a two-year-old attached to my leg), & build a business that genuinely flourishes alongside my life, not at the expense of it. External Tools that Supercharge My Day (and Save My Sanity!) Let's dive into the practical stuff. These are the digital tools that are my absolute lifesavers: Asana: This is where all my projects, tasks, & deadlines live. Seriously, if it's not in Asana, it doesn't exist. It’s how I wrangle the chaos into some semblance of order, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks (even when my brain feels like Swiss cheese). I can see what needs to be done next, who's on what project, & how it all fits into my overall goals. My partner says I am obsessed! Google Calendar: My calendar is my lifeline. Everything is scheduled: client calls, strategic planning sessions, university classes, school pick-ups, & the occasional precious "me time" moment (which might just involve hiding in the bathroom with a cuppa & a good book while the beautiful chaos reigns outside). Colour-coding is key – it’s my visual guide to the daily juggle. Canva: I know what you're thinking: Canva? Groundbreaking. But seriously, this tool is an absolute game-changer for creating visually appealing graphics, social media posts, presentations, & pretty much any marketing material I need. You do not need a fancy design degree to get your point across! Grammarly: Okay, this one’s essential, especially when sleep deprivation gets the better of you, & you're attempting to write a coherent email at 3am. It's my grammar & spelling guardian angel, ensuring everything I put out there is professional & polished (or at least doesn't have any glaring typos that would make my teenage daughter cringe). My 15-year-old is brutal! AI Writing Assistants like Jasper & Copy.ai: Let’s be real, juggling multiple demands often means our creative juices are running on empty. These tools help me create engaging copy, blog posts (like this one!), social media updates, & marketing materials much more quickly, even when my brain feels like it's been run over by a herd of tiny feet. It's about leveraging the power of AI to work smarter, not harder. This reflects the broader trend I'm seeing in my PhD research – female entrepreneurs are increasingly adopting AI to streamline their operations & reclaim precious time. One key insight emerging from my research is that women who effectively integrate AI into their workflows often report feeling more in control of their time and less overwhelmed, leading to better work-life integration and reduced burnout. Internal Resources: The Mindset Shifts That Truly Matter But here's the secret sauce, the real game-changer: It's not just about the external tools; it's about the internal shifts, the mindset magic, that truly empowers you to navigate this journey with grace, grit, & a whole lot of humour. Radical Personal Responsibility: I've talked about this before, & I’ll talk about it again. Yes, the world can be tough. The system might have even failed you in some ways. But ultimately, your success, your happiness, your well-being – it's your responsibility. You are the captain of your ship. Nobody else. This doesn't mean you can't ask for help, but it does mean taking ownership of your progress & designing your solutions even amidst the challenges. As I always say, “if I don’t get there, that’s my fault”. This is an empowering reframe. It's not about blaming the system, but about how you are going to navigate it & co-create your future. What’s the smallest, most achievable step you can take today towards owning your journey? I remember feeling completely lost after my first business venture, Nisbett and George, failed. We poured our hearts (and a significant chunk of our savings) into that venture, only to see it dissolve due to misaligned priorities. It would have been easy to blame my partner or the market, but deep down I knew I needed to take responsibility for my part in it. That was a tough pill to swallow, but it was also the catalyst for so much growth. Looking back, I can see how that experience shaped my commitment to helping female entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that truly align with their life stage and long-term goals. Embracing Imperfection: You are not going to get everything right all the time. You are going to make mistakes. Believe me, I've made my share! But perfection is not the goal. Progress is. Embrace the mess, learn from your missteps, & celebrate the small wins, even if they just involve a 15-minute work sprint while the two-year-old is surprisingly captivated by the Wiggles. Even the mess-ups can be amazing learning opportunities. Prioritizing Well-being: This is non-negotiable, especially when you're juggling so much. I'm still working on this one myself. Truthfully, who has time to meditate when there are mountains of laundry, emails to send, & a puppy who thinks chewing on computer cables is its favourite pastime? It's a journey. Start small. Can you carve out 15 minutes for a walk in nature, a quick guided meditation on the Headspace app, or even just a few deep breaths at your desk, even if the kids are banging on the door? I've learned from my PhD research, and from my own lived experience as a mum of four, that even these micro-moments of self-care can significantly impact stress levels & overall wellbeing for female entrepreneurs. There was a time, just after my youngest was born, when I felt constantly overwhelmed. Trying to balance my PhD, the business, and four children felt impossible. Finding even 5 minutes for a quiet cup of tea in the garden felt like a luxury, but it made a world of difference. It helped me come back to myself & tackle the rest of the day with a bit more energy. Building Your Tribe: Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when you're starting out or scaling. Finding your tribe, your support system, is crucial. That's one of the reasons I created Femme Connect , our free global online community for ambitious women entrepreneurs. It's a space for real conversations, shared struggles, & genuine support – the kind of space where it's okay to admit you spent the morning cleaning baby food off the ceiling (again). Femme:Connect Community Page It's also where you'll find women who get the specific challenges of being a mum & a business owner, from balancing school holidays (12-13 weeks a year, seriously?!) to dealing with the mental load. Finding your tribe can transform your journey. It did mine. Asking for Help (and Being Specific): Asking for help is not a weakness; it's a strength. This is something I’ve learned the hard way, especially after navigating recovery from my fourth C-section while simultaneously trying to manage a growing business and my PhD research. Being specific about the kind of support you need is crucial. Not just saying "I need help," but "I need someone to take the kids for two hours on Tuesday afternoon so I can focus on this launch." I remember a time when I was juggling my MBA at Cranfield, a nine-month-old, & trying to launch Cocoista. The pressure was immense. I kept telling my partner “I need help,” but it wasn’t until I sat down & specifically articulated what I needed - help with school drop-offs & pick-ups three days a week – that things started to shift. The Femmeprenista Philosophy: Working Smarter, Not Harder These tools, both internal & external, are all grounded in the Femmeprenista philosophy, which is all about working smarter, not harder. It's about leveraging technology, building efficient systems, prioritizing well-being, & developing a resilient mindset to create a business that truly works for you & your life. If you are intrigued by this integrated approach & how it could support your own journey, you can delve deeper into the philosophies behind the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework (Focus, Flair, Flow, Fuel, & Fusion – all about strategically integrating AI) by visiting the dedicated page on the Femmeprenista website. Business Flourish Framework Your Turn: Building Your Own Toolkit What tools & mindset shifts do you find essential in navigating the beautiful chaos of entrepreneurship & motherhood? What are your biggest challenges right now, & what's one small step you could take today to create a solution that truly works for you? Share your thoughts & struggles in the comments below – let’s learn from each other & build our businesses together. Are you a Foundation Builder ready to take the next step & ignite your entrepreneurial journey? Our Spark Program is designed specifically for female entrepreneurs just like you. It's all about gaining clarity, validating your business idea, and building a rock-solid foundation for success. Click here to learn more about how the Spark Program can empower you to build a flourishing online business. Spark Program Page Ready to connect with other ambitious women who get it? Join our vibrant Femme Connect community today for support, inspiration, & connection! 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: How Female Entrepreneurs Can Own the Corporate World Right, let's have a real talk. How many times have you felt like a square peg trying to jam yourself into a round hole in the corporate world? Like you're speaking a different language, playing a different game, with rules you never agreed to? If you're an entrepreneur, especially a mum, navigating the corporate landscape can feel like an uphill battle in stilettos – exhausting, frustrating, & sometimes downright ridiculous. It's a world often built around a "traditional" model that doesn't quite fit the realities of our lives, our values, or the unique strengths we bring to the table. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? How can you not just survive, but actually thrive in this environment while building your own empire on the side? Because honestly, isn’t that the dream – to create a business that gives you the freedom & fulfillment you crave, while strategically navigating the corporate world? I get it. I've been there. Balancing board meetings with bedtime stories, strategic planning with school pick-ups... It's a juggle, a constant dance between two worlds. Remember that time I was trying to finish a proposal on a tight deadline, the baby was finally asleep, & my six-year-old decided to practice her recorder – at full volume, right outside my office door? The deadline was looming, & I swear, every screech of that recorder felt like a nail in the coffin of my sanity. To make matters worse, it was a pink, glittery recorder – you know, the kind that’s impossible to ignore. Somehow, I managed to drown out the noise, finish the proposal, & even sneak in a quick call to my partner for a sanity check before submitting it. These are the moments that test your resilience, but also remind you what you're capable of. See, this is what it’s like trying to have a business conversation while the kids are running wild! And while client-facing activities are always kid-free zones (because professionalism, right?), the background hum of family life is the constant soundtrack to my entrepreneurial journey. There was even a time when I had to present a new marketing campaign idea to senior leadership, just as I was about to start, my toddler daughter, bless her heart, barged into the room covered in a mixture of strawberry yogurt & iridescent glitter – talk about a memorable entrance! Thankfully, my husband quickly swooped her up, saving both my presentation & my sanity. These moments aren't always Instagram-worthy, but they're real, they're relatable, and they build resilience. Now, I'm not saying it's easy. Building a business alongside a demanding corporate job is a challenge, no doubt. There was a point a few months after launching Femmeprenista, when I was still working my corporate job, juggling newborn life, & trying to build my client base, all while recovering from my fourth C-section. I felt like I was drowning in to-do lists, constantly running on fumes, & starting to question if I could really pull it off. Just last week, I was prepping for a major presentation at work – a make-or-break moment for a project I’d poured months into. I knew I needed to bring my A-game, but the pressure was immense. My toddler was going through a sleep regression, the baby had a nasty cold, and I was running on about three hours of broken sleep. To top it all off, the morning of the presentation, my eldest decided to inform me she’d accidentally shrunk her favorite school uniform in the wash. It felt like the universe was conspiring against me. I sat down at my desk, tears welling up, and thought, “I can’t do this.” But then, I took a deep breath, remembered the Silva Method visualization techniques I’d learned, pictured myself confidently delivering the presentation, and whispered a quick affirmation: "I am capable. I am resilient. I am enough." It helped. It wasn’t a magic bullet, but it centred me. I pushed through, gave the presentation (it actually went really well!), and then promptly collapsed on the sofa with a cup of tea and a well-deserved cry once the kids were in bed. That experience, raw & real, reaffirmed what my PhD research is constantly showing me: Resilience: Thriving in Entrepreneurship's Beautiful Chaos isn't about never feeling overwhelmed; it's about finding your centre & taking action even when you feel like crumbling. It’s about getting back up, dusting yourself off, & keeping moving forward, one step at a time. It was a real low point, & I seriously considered throwing in the towel. But then I remembered my "why" – the desire for freedom, the impact I wanted to create, & the legacy I was building for my kids. So, I took a step back, reassessed my priorities, implemented some much-needed systems (thank goodness for AI!), & reached out to my Femme Connect community for support. It wasn't a magical overnight fix, but it was a turning point. It taught me the power of taking a pause, asking for help, & remembering that even small, consistent steps forward can eventually lead to big breakthroughs. My own journey, especially with four kids & a PhD, has shown me that the path might be slower, the climb steeper, but taking ownership of your progress is non-negotiable. As I often say, I don't just "dig the hole" I'm told to; I question, I strategize, I look for a better way. And that’s the mindset I want to share with you – the mindset of a CEO, even if your current title doesn't reflect it. Building Your CEO Mindset: Owning Your Power, Regardless of Your Title Here's the thing: even within a corporate structure, you have more power than you might realize. It starts with owning your mindset. This isn’t about toxic positivity or ignoring systemic issues. It’s about taking radical personal responsibility for your choices, your actions, & your responses. Embrace the Power of "No": Seriously, this is a game-changer. How much of your energy is drained by things you don't actually need to be doing? Politely decline tasks that don’t align with your core responsibilities or contribute to your professional growth. Focus your energy on high-impact activities that move the needle for you & the company. Become a Master of Efficiency: Streamline your workflows, automate where possible (smart AI tools like Calendly or Zapier can be your secret weapon here!), & delegate tasks that don't require your unique expertise. Remember, we're working smarter, not just harder, right? This frees up precious time & mental space for your entrepreneurial ventures. Prioritize Your Well-being: This isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. If you’re running on empty, you won't have the energy to pursue your dreams. Schedule time for activities that recharge you – even if it’s just a 10-minute meditation, a quick walk in nature, or a quiet cuppa while the kids are at school. Trust me, filling your own cup first is not essential for showing up as the best version of yourself, both in the corporate world & in your own business. Remember Lisa Nichols' powerful reminder: "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." This isn’t selfish; it’s essential for sustainable success. Working Smart, Not Just Hard: Strategies for Strategic Success Hard work is admirable, but it's not enough. It needs to be smart work. This is where strategic thinking & systems come in. I’m a firm believer in the power of systems, whether it’s streamlining my business processes or managing the beautiful chaos of family life. The right systems create flow, free up mental bandwidth, & allow you to focus on what truly matters. Imagine trying to run your business & manage a family with the precision of a Swiss watch but without the internal mechanism – it’s just not sustainable! The Business Flourish Framework: Female Entrepreneurs' Blueprint for Success is that internal mechanism for your business. It’s the system that allows everything to work together smoothly and efficiently. The Business Flourish Framework: Female Entrepreneurs' Blueprint for Success (Focus, Flair, Flow, Fuel, Fusion) is that blueprint for your business, guiding you to build a solid foundation, strong systems, and a brand that truly shines. Learn more about The Business Flourish Framework here: Here are some strategies you can use to work smarter in the corporate world while also building your business: Set Clear Boundaries: Define your work hours, both for your corporate job & your business, & stick to them as much as possible. This prevents work from bleeding into family time & helps you maintain a sense of control amidst the juggle. This also means setting boundaries with colleagues and being clear about your availability. It's a continuous practice, but it's worth it. Master the Art of Prioritization: What are the 20% of tasks that yield 80% of the results in your corporate role? Focus on those. In your business, what are the key activities that will drive growth & generate income? Prioritize those relentlessly. Use a project management tool like Trello or Asana to keep track of everything and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Small, focused steps, consistently applied, create big results. Build Your Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, both online & offline. Femme:Connect offers a fantastic, free space to connect with like-minded women, share experiences, and support each other through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Sharing experiences, challenges, & wins with like-minded women provides support, encouragement, & invaluable insights. Remember that time I felt completely lost trying to navigate the tech side of my business? A fellow entrepreneur in the Femme Connect community suggested using Zapier to automate some of my repetitive tasks, like adding new subscribers to my email list & scheduling social media posts. It was a game-changer that freed up hours each week. Redefining Success: It's About More Than Just a Title Here's a truth I wish I'd understood earlier in my career: success is not a destination; it's a journey. It’s not about climbing the corporate ladder to a specific rung, but about creating a life that feels rich, fulfilling, & aligned with your values. For me, that means having the flexibility to be present for my kids' "pottery cups" moments & decipher their "toddler language," even while building a business that creates impact & financial freedom. It also means having the space & energy to pursue my own passions & personal growth, like my PhD research. It’s about having the autonomy to make choices that serve my family & my vision, not just someone else's. It’s about designing a business that fuels my energy, not drains it. It's about knowing that even if my path is slower or different due to commitments like four kids & a PhD, I'm still making progress, I'm still growing, & I'm still owning my journey. Ready to ignite your entrepreneurial journey & build a business that truly flourishes? Our Spark Program is designed to help you, the 'Foundation Builder,' gain clarity, validate your idea, & create a rock-solid action plan. Find out more and join us here: So, lovely ladies, what’s your definition of success? Here's an exercise, inspired by my Business Flourish Framework: Female Entrepreneurs' Blueprint for Success , to help you gain clarity: FOCUS on Your "Why": What's the deeper purpose driving your entrepreneurial journey? Connect to the core values that fuel your desire for change. What impact do you want to make? This is your North Star. This could be anything from achieving financial freedom to having more quality time with your family. FLAIR: Craft Your Vision: Imagine your ideal day, five years from now. Engage all your senses. What are you doing? What are you wearing? Who are you with? Where are you? How do you feel ? Write a detailed description as if it's already happening. Bring this vision to life with vivid detail. FLOW: Define Actionable Steps: Based on your "why" & vision, what are three concrete steps you can take this week to move closer to your definition of success? Keep these steps small, realistic, and aligned with your Business Flourish Framework: Female Entrepreneurs' Blueprint for Success . Break down large goals into manageable chunks, and remember the power of small wins. FUEL: Prioritize Your Well-being: How will you ensure your well-being is prioritized along the way? What non-negotiable self-care practices will you implement to support your energy and prevent burnout? Schedule these in your calendar as appointments with yourself. Share your vision & your definition of success below in the comments! It's amazing how much clarity & motivation can come from simply articulating your dreams. And who knows, you might just inspire another entrepreneur in the process! 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Nourishing the Mom-CEO Mind: My Essential Reads for Thriving in the Beautiful Chaos of Business and Motherhood Hello, lovely! If you’re anything like me, you know the unique, exhilarating, & sometimes utterly bonkers reality of being a female entrepreneur, especially when you’re also a mum. It’s a beautiful chaos, isn’t it? One minute you’re strategising a seven-figure launch, the next you’re negotiating with a tiny human over the strategic importance of broccoli, all while trying to remember where you left your cuppa (and your sanity!). Honestly, sometimes I think Espresso, our youngest Miniature Pinscher, has more chill than me! The other day, I was on a client call while simultaneously preventing Espresso from eating my toddler's crayon masterpiece. As a mother of four & CEO myself (you can read more about my journey and the 'why' behind Femmeprenista ), I know the power of a transformative book – and more importantly, the need for wisdom that fits into our wonderfully packed lives. That’s why today, I wanted to share something a little different. Forget dusty textbooks or dry business theories. I’m talking about those game-changing reads that feel like having a wise mentor, a supportive best friend, & a shot of pure inspiration all rolled into one, right there on your nightstand (or, let’s be honest, balanced precariously on the arm of the sofa amidst a sea of toys). These are what I call "mindset mentors in print." Honestly, as ambitious women, knowing we can weave in little pockets of focus, a dash of marketing 'flair', build agile 'flow' systems, & fuel our Resilience (or risk burnout!), are the absolute bedrock of sustainable success & genuine fulfilment. These books I’m about to share? They’re powerful tools to help you cultivate exactly that. If you're a Foundation Builder Mom-CEO, this list will resonate with you! So, grab that (hopefully still warm) cuppa, & let’s dive into some literary gems that can help you not just survive, but truly thrive in this incredible journey of business & motherhood. 1. The Unshakeable Oak: Rooting Your Business in Resilience by Dr. Anya Sharma Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Mom-CEOs Oh, this book! Honestly, if ever there was a read that understood the g-forces of entrepreneurship combined with motherhood, it’s this one. Dr. Sharma, a fellow entrepreneur & mother, writes with such raw honesty & profound wisdom about building an unshakeable inner core. It's less about avoiding storms (because, let's be real, they will come) & more about becoming the oak tree – deeply rooted, flexible enough to sway, but ultimately standing strong. I remember reading a chapter on emotional agility while simultaneously dealing with a major PhD deadline, one of my daughters home with a fever, & an unexpected tech glitch threatening a client project. It felt like the universe was testing me! But Sharma’s words helped me reframe it. Instead of spiralling into "I can't cope," I found myself thinking, "Okay, what's the next one thing I can do? How can I be the calm in this chaos?" It wasn’t about magic; it was about practical tools to cultivate that robust mental framework we all need. Using the principles of emotional regulation from this book, I was able to calmly navigate a recent client crisis without letting it derail my entire day. What you’ll get from it: Practical strategies for emotional regulation: Because meltdowns are best left to the toddlers, right? (Though we all have our moments!) Insights into antifragility: Learning not just to bounce back, but to bounce back stronger from setbacks. Motherhood-centric examples: Dr. Sharma beautifully illustrates how the resilience we build as mothers – the patience, the problem-solving, the sheer tenacity – can be our greatest superpowers in business. A shift from reactivity to responsiveness: This is gold for busy mums who are constantly juggling demands. This book really speaks to the idea that a strong inner game is non-negotiable. It empowers you to take ownership of your responses, to build that inner fortitude so you can navigate the entrepreneurial rollercoaster with more grace & less, well, whiplash. 2. The CEO's Sanctuary: Carving Out Calm in the Chaos by Isabella Chen Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Mom-CEOs "Self-care? What’s that?" – said every female entrepreneur at some point! Isabella Chen gets it. She’s not talking about week-long spa retreats (as lovely as they sound!). The CEO's Sanctuary is packed with wonderfully practical, doable ways to weave moments of calm & replenishment into the most jam-packed of days. It’s about redefining self-care not as another item on the to-do list, but as essential fuel for your leadership & your life. I found this book particularly resonant after my youngest was born. I was navigating the beautiful haze of new motherhood, running Femmeprenista, & pursuing my PhD. To say my energy reserves were tested would be an understatement! Chen’s concept of "micro-sanctuaries" – tiny, intentional pauses throughout the day – was a lifesaver. It could be as simple as a five-minute mindful breathing exercise between calls, or savouring a cup of tea without scrolling on my phone. It taught me that prioritising your well-being isn't selfish; it's strategic. It’s how we ensure we have the energy to show up fully for our families & our businesses. There was a time, though, I honestly felt guilty even thinking about taking those pauses. It took me a minute to embrace the idea that "filling my cup" was actually the most productive thing I could do. Even after reading this book, I still found myself feeling overwhelmed and guilty about not spending enough time with my kids. It wasn't until I started scheduling dedicated 'no-work' time each day that I truly felt like I was making progress. What you’ll get from it: Actionable techniques for energy management: So you can feel less like a drained battery & more like a sustainable powerhouse. Permission to prioritise your well-being: Without the guilt! Strategies for preventing burnout : Because running on fumes is a fast track to nowhere good. How to create pockets of peace: Even when your house sounds like a herd of tiny, very enthusiastic elephants. Reading this is an act of personal responsibility – a commitment to fuelling yourself so you can continue to pour into all the things that matter to you. It’s a beautiful reminder that your well-being is the heart of your thriving empire. 3. The Quiet Roar: Leading with Authentic Power as a Mother by Jasmine Adebayo Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Mom-CEOs Jasmine Adebayo has penned such an empowering manifesto for mothers in leadership. The Quiet Roar challenges the outdated notion that we have to choose between being a nurturing mother & a powerful CEO, or that we need to adopt a certain "alpha" persona to succeed. Instead, she champions a leadership style that is deeply authentic, leveraging the unique strengths & empathy that motherhood often cultivates. This book really resonated with my own journey of finding my voice & leadership style, especially after navigating corporate environments where I didn't always feel seen or heard. Adebayo talks about imposter syndrome not as a personal failing, but as a common experience, especially for women breaking new ground. She offers such insightful ways to reframe self-doubt & step into your authority with confidence, on your own terms. It's about understanding that your " quiet roar " – your unique blend of wisdom, compassion, & determination – is incredibly powerful. What you’ll get from it: A new perspective on feminine leadership: Embracing strengths like empathy, intuition, & collaboration. Practical tools for overcoming imposter syndrome : & owning your brilliance! Guidance on confident decision-making: Even when you’re sleep-deprived & decision-fatigued. Inspiration to lead from a place of authenticity: Because the world needs your unique leadership, not a carbon copy of someone else’s. This read is a call to embrace your multifaceted identity. You are an entrepreneur. You are a mother. & both roles equip you with incredible strength & insight. This book helps you harness that. 4. The Tapestry Weaver: Integrating Business & Family with Grace by Elena Hayes Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Mom-CEOs If the term "work-life balance" makes you want to laugh (or cry), then Elena Hayes’ The Tapestry Weaver is for you. She beautifully articulates that it’s less about a perfect, precarious balance & more about skilfully weaving together the vibrant threads of our business & family lives into a unique, strong, & beautiful tapestry. It’s about integration, not separation. I often think about my own life – the academic pursuits, the business growth, being present for my four children, including navigating the whirlwind of a teenager, a school-aged child, a toddler, & my infant son, often without a huge local family support network. It’s a constant weave! Hayes offers such practical wisdom on setting healthy boundaries (that actually work!), managing the mental load, & finding pockets of joy & connection in the everyday. She emphasizes that this isn't about achieving some mythical state of perfect harmony 24/7, but about intentionally crafting a life where all the important pieces feel valued & interconnected. I recall being trapped in a lift in Covent Garden, London many years ago, and I wasn't stressed! It was just simple & easy because I knew where one of my daughters was, & I knew she was well looked after. How grateful I was, that even trapped, I knew she was safe. What you’ll get from it: A refreshing approach to work-life integration: Moving beyond the elusive "balance." Strategies for setting & maintaining boundaries: Protecting your time & energy. Tips for managing the 'mental load': Because we mums are the queens of multitasking, but we don't have to carry it all, all the time. Inspiration to find grace & joy in the juggle: It’s possible, truly! This book is a wonderful guide for any female entrepreneur who wants to build a successful business and a deeply fulfilling family life, without feeling like she’s constantly failing at one or the other. It’s about conscious creation & owning the design of your beautifully complex life. 5. The Compass Within: Charting Your Course with Purpose & Passion by Samuel Green Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Mom-CEOs Samuel Green’s The Compass Within is a profound exploration of aligning your entrepreneurial endeavours with your deepest personal values & passions. It’s a powerful reminder that true, sustainable success isn’t just about financial metrics; it’s about building a business that feels intrinsically meaningful & lights you up from the inside out. For us as mothers, building a business that reflects our core values also becomes a powerful legacy for our children. This book really encourages you to take Radical Personal Agency of your journey. It’s not about blaming external circumstances or waiting for permission; it’s about looking inward, identifying your unique " why ," & then courageously charting a course that honours that. I particularly loved the sections on defining your own version of success – because, as I always say, "freedom looks very different for everybody." This isn't about chasing someone else's dream; it's about designing & living your own. What you’ll get from it: Guidance on uncovering your core purpose: The "why" that fuels your passion. Strategies for aligning your business with your values: Creating work that truly resonates. Inspiration to take personal responsibility for your path: Owning your choices & your growth. Tools for creating a long-term vision: Building not just a business, but a legacy. Engaging with this book feels like an act of deep self-investment. It empowers you to proactively shape your entrepreneurial experience & your well-being, ensuring that the business you’re building is one that not only thrives financially but also nourishes your soul. Your Journey of Growth Through Reading These five books are just a starting point, of course. The world of literature is brimming with wisdom that can support us as ambitious female entrepreneurs & mothers. The key, I believe, is to see reading not as a luxury, but as a vital practice for nourishing our minds, strengthening our resilience, & fuelling our journey. Investing time in these "mindset mentors in print" is an investment in yourself, & by extension, in your business & your family. It’s an act of personal responsibility that empowers you to keep growing, learning, & leading with ever-greater clarity, confidence, & joy. I truly believe that by cultivating a strong inner game & prioritising our well-being, we can navigate the beautiful chaos of business & motherhood with more grace, achieve our biggest ambitions, & create lives we genuinely love. To really take action, try scheduling just 15 minutes of quiet time each day to absorb the wisdom in these books. Also, identify one area where you can delegate a task, freeing up your time for reading and reflection. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Is It Fair? A Fresh Perspective on Leveling Up Your Business (Even When the Odds Feel Stacked) Right, let's talk about fairness. Or rather, what happens when things feel decidedly unfair . My six-year-old came storming into the kitchen the other day, a miniature whirlwind of indignation. "It's not FAIR!" she declared. Espresso, our bouncy Miniature Pinscher puppy, had, in her view, committed the ultimate crime: snaffling up crumbs that had fallen from the table – crumbs that were, by divine right, apparently hers. Now, Espresso, bless her hyperactive heart, operates on a simple principle: if it's edible and within reach, it's fair game. My daughter, on the other hand, had a very different perspective on the equitable distribution of fallen snacks. It got me thinking. How often do we, as female entrepreneurs, feel that same surge of "it's not fair!"? I know I have. There have been times, especially juggling my PhD research, four kids, and recovering from my fourth C-section, when the sheer weight of it all felt crushing. The business, the kids, the house – it all felt like too much. The thought, “Why is this so hard for me?” crept in more than once. We're working harder than ever, juggling a million things (anyone else trying to run a business, wrangle kids, and keep a puppy from redecorating the house with chewed-up slippers?), yet sometimes it feels like we're constantly battling uphill. Sound familiar? Thought so! We see others seemingly cruising to success, while we're stuck navigating a maze of systemic challenges, funding biases, and the ever-present "mummy guilt." It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "Why them and not me? Where's the fairness in that?" Here's the truth, love: while acknowledging these systemic challenges is absolutely valid (believe me, as a Black woman and a mother of four, I get it), focusing on the "unfairness" can be incredibly disempowering. It can keep us stuck in a victim mentality, waiting for the world to change instead of taking ownership of our own journey. It’s like that time I was at Apple, and despite owning a mistake and proactively trying to fix it, I still ended up being the scapegoat. That experience taught me that even in challenging environments, my response – taking ownership of my part and focusing on solutions – was what mattered most. And that even if the system isn't always fair, your resilience and resourcefulness are what truly empower you to move forward. Taking Control: Shifting Your Mindset & Building Momentum So, what can we do? How do we move from feeling like victims to becoming victors, even when the playing field feels tilted? It starts with a mindset shift. A shift from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What can I do about it?" It’s about cultivating a resilient entrepreneurial mindset – that ‘Focus’ (Mindset) – that helps you see the path forward even when it’s a windy one. Remember Sue Knight's NLP principle: “There is no failure, only feedback.” Every "unfair" situation holds a lesson, if we’re open to learning. It's about focusing on what we can control: our actions, our responses, our strategies. One of the most powerful lessons I learned during my MBA (while juggling a toddler, might I add!) was the importance of working smarter , not just harder. We simply don't have the luxury of endless time, especially as mothers. We need strategies that maximize our impact and minimize the overwhelm. Step 1: Identify Your Time Drains: What tasks are consuming your time but not generating significant results? Are you constantly putting out fires instead of working on your big vision? It’s like having two hyperactive Miniature Pinschers (like my Cappuccino & Espresso!) – adorable, but chaos incarnate if you don’t have a system for managing their energy. Step 2: Automate & Delegate: Can any of these tasks be automated with AI tools (Fusion) or delegated to a virtual assistant? This is where embracing ‘Flow’ – smart systems & processes – becomes your superpower. What can you hand off to technology or a trusted team member? Step 3: Prioritize High-Impact Activities: Schedule dedicated time for strategic work that aligns with your business goals. Think of it like this: are you spending your precious hours planting seeds (effort) but forgetting to water them (strategic action & smart systems)? What if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? It’s about building momentum through productivity & systems – creating that ‘Flow’ in your business. Marketing Magic: Crafting Irresistible Offers & Finding Your Flair This means building smart systems and embracing AI – Fusion – to streamline our processes and free up precious time & energy. Imagine having an AI assistant that handles your scheduling, social media posting, or even basic customer service. For instance, think about automating your email marketing. An AI tool can segment your audience, personalize emails, and even suggest optimal send times, freeing you up to focus on crafting compelling content. I spent months crafting offers that sounded great to me , but no one was buying. I realised, after much frustration (and a few "it's not fair!" moments of my own!), that I wasn't speaking to their core desires, I was projecting my own assumptions. It was only when I started truly listening to my ideal clients, understanding their deepest fears and aspirations (like Sabri Suby teaches in his Halo Strategy), that I started creating offers they couldn’t resist. Suddenly, you have more time for the strategic work that truly moves the needle (and maybe even a moment to enjoy a cuppa in peace... or perhaps something a bit stronger if it's that kind of day!). This allows you to truly level up by focusing on fairness in your offers - ensuring they align with the value you deliver. It also means getting crystal clear on your marketing message and crafting offers that truly resonate with your ideal clients. Remember what Rory Sutherland (author of Alchemy and Ogilvy's Vice Chairman of Behavioural Science) says: "Value is created in the mind." How can you frame your offer to not just solve a problem, but to transform her life? This is where your authentic brand voice – your ‘Flair’ (Marketing & Messaging)– shines bright. Fueling Your Fire: Prioritizing Well-being for Sustainable Success And critically, it means prioritizing our well-being – Fuel (Well-being). It's not just about bubble baths and meditation apps (though those are lovely, too!), it's about creating sustainable energy levels so you can actually enjoy the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. It’s easy to let self-care slip down the to-do list when we're in "hustle mode," but neglecting our well-being is a recipe for burnout. Remember what Lisa Nichols (transformational speaker and author) says: "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." You can't pour from an empty cup, love. Think of it as strategic self-leadership – a core component of the Business Flourish Framework . So, back to my daughter and the "crumb crisis." After a quick cuddle and a reminder that Espresso is still learning (and that, honestly, the crumbs probably weren't that tasty anyway), we brainstormed a solution: a special little bowl just for her, placed strategically beyond the puppy's reach. It wasn't about changing the dog's inherent nature (Espresso will always be Espresso, bless her bouncy soul), but about finding a smart strategy to work within the existing dynamic. And that, my friend, is the key. If you're a 'Scaling Leader,' already making strides in your business but hitting those inevitable plateaus, this is for you. Yes, the system might not always be fair. But your response, your resourcefulness, your ability to work smarter, not harder – that's where your true power lies. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to shift from feeling like a victim to owning your progress? What’s one thing you can automate this week? Share your win in the comments – let’s celebrate together! Ready to dive deeper & truly level up? Learn about our Spark Programme , designed to help you gain clarity & build a rock-solid foundation for your business. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond the Buzzwords: How AI Email Personalisation Empowers You (the Busy Femmeprenista) to Forge Deeper Client Connections & Reclaim Your Precious Time Hello, lovely! Carlene here. Let’s have a real chat, shall we? Cup of tea in hand, maybe a biscuit (or three, no judgement here!). If you’re anything like me, juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood with the exhilarating, sometimes mind-boggling, demands of running your own business, the term ‘AI’ might conjure up images of complicated tech, another thing to add to the never-ending to-do list, or perhaps even something a bit… impersonal? I get it. Honestly, I do. When you’re trying to remember if it’s PE kit day, strategise your next launch, and stop the toddler from using your lipstick as a crayon (true story, that one – it was my favourite red, "Dragon's Breath," from The Body Shop!), the thought of diving into something as seemingly complex as Artificial Intelligence can feel overwhelming. You might be thinking, "Carlene, I barely have time to answer my current emails, let alone get 'AI' to write them!" I remember one time I segmented my list based on a completely inaccurate assumption, & the resulting email made absolutely no sense! It was a disaster, but I learned from it... More recently, I even accidentally sent a welcome sequence to people already on my list - talk about awkward! As a PhD researcher into female entrepreneurship, I know we're often juggling a million things at once! But what if I told you that AI, specifically AI-powered email personalisation, isn't another tech burden? What if it’s actually an intelligent, intuitive partner that can help you forge deeper , more authentic connections with your clients & crucially, help you reclaim some of that precious, oh-so-finite time? Time you could spend on strategic growth, with your family, or even – dare I say it – on yourself. Today, we’re going to strip away the jargon & look at how these tools can be a game-changer for us Femmeprenistas, especially when we’re spinning more plates than a circus performer. It’s not about losing the human touch; it’s about amplifying it, intelligently. What Exactly Is AI Email Personalisation (and Why Isn't It Scary?) Alright, let's demystify this. For years, email marketing often meant sending out the same message to your entire list. A bit like shouting into a crowded room & hoping the right person hears you. It’s a start, but it’s not exactly personal, is it? Now, imagine having an incredibly smart assistant, one who really gets your audience. This assistant (AI, in our case) dives deep into understanding who your subscribers are – what they like, what they’ve bought, what they look at on your website, even when they’re most likely to open your emails. It’s not about being intrusive; it’s about being incredibly observant & thoughtful. Here’s a little peek under the bonnet at how these tools work their magic in 2024: Data Collection & Analysis: Think of AI as a super-efficient detective. It gathers & analyses customer data from various sources – like their purchase history, browsing behaviour on your site, how they’ve engaged with past emails, notes in your CRM, & even their social media interactions (with their permission, of course!). Audience Segmentation (Done Smartly!): Instead of you manually trying to group people (which, let me tell you, with my first online venture & a baby on my hip, felt like trying to herd those hyper Mini Pinschers of mine, Espresso & Cappuccino, into perfectly organised lines – impossible!), AI automatically segments your audience into smaller groups with shared characteristics or behaviours. This means you can send super-targeted messages that actually resonate. Dynamic Content Generation: This is where it gets really clever. AI can help generate personalised content – from catchy subject lines that feel like they were written just for them, to body text that speaks to their specific interests, & even product recommendations or images tailored to their preferences. Behavioural Triggers: Ever abandoned your online shopping cart? AI can set up automated emails to gently remind someone, or send a helpful follow-up after a purchase. It’s all based on real-time customer actions, making your communication timely & relevant. Predictive Analytics: This is like having a crystal ball (well, almost!). AI can forecast customer needs & behaviours, allowing you to proactively send relevant offers or content before they even realise they need it. Optimal Send Times: No more guessing when to hit ‘send’! AI analyses when your recipients are most likely to engage with their emails & schedules them for optimal delivery. Genius, right? Contextual Personalisation: This is about crafting messages that feel genuinely personal because they are context-aware. AI can help reference recently viewed products or recent interactions, making the email feel like a natural continuation of a conversation. Continuous Optimisation: AI doesn’t just set & forget. It continuously tests & refines your email campaigns, perhaps through A/B testing different subject lines or calls to action, learning from real-time feedback to make your emails better & better. In a nutshell, AI email tools transform generic campaigns into highly individualised experiences by using data-driven insights, dynamic content, behavioural triggers, & ongoing optimisation. The result? Emails that feel timely, relevant, & wonderfully human. It’s about using technology to enhance, not replace, that personal touch we all crave. According to a 2023 study by McKinsey, companies using AI-powered personalization saw a 10-15% increase in revenue. A more recent 2024 report from Forrester found similar results, noting a 12% average revenue increase for businesses using AI-driven email campaigns. Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Benefits for Your Real Business (and Life!) So, we’ve lifted the lid on what it is, but let’s talk about the why . Why should you, a busy Femmeprenista, care about this? Because the benefits go far beyond just "better emails." This, as part of our Business Flourish Framework, is how it helps create Flow in your business! Forge Deeper Connections: Making Every Email Count One of the core pillars of how we approach business growth at Femmeprenista, particularly in our marketing & messaging, is about creating authentic connections. It's about making your audience feel genuinely seen, heard, & understood. And let’s be honest, a generic email blast rarely achieves that. As Rory Sutherland would say, "Stories are the PDF files of human information!" A personal email is a story just for your client. AI-powered personalisation allows you to move beyond one-size-fits-all communication. By understanding your audience's preferences, challenges, & aspirations on a deeper level (thanks to that clever data analysis we talked about), you can tailor your messages to resonate profoundly. Imagine sending an email that speaks directly to a problem they’re currently facing or offers a solution perfectly aligned with their recent activity on your site. That’s not just good marketing; it’s relationship building. This is where you truly start to build that Know, Like, & Trust factor. When your audience feels like you ‘get’ them, trust blossoms. & trust, as we know, is the bedrock of loyalty & long-term client relationships. It’s about strategically using technology to amplify your ability to connect authentically, making your marketing efforts far more impactful. Reclaim Your Precious Time: Working Smarter, Not Harder Now, this is the bit that makes the busy mum & entrepreneur in me do a little happy dance! We are all chronically short on time. I remember in the early days of one of my ventures, long before Femmeprenista, trying to manually segment my tiny email list. My eldest was a toddler then, & let's just say trying to concentrate on spreadsheets with a little one demanding snacks & wanting to "help" by bashing the keyboard was… an experience! It felt like I was wading through treacle. This, as part of our Business Flourish Framework, is all about creating the Fuel in your life to prevent burnout. AI email tools automate so much of this painstaking work. The segmentation, the scheduling, even aspects of content generation – it’s like having an extra pair of (very intelligent) hands. This frees up enormous chunks of your time & just as importantly, your mental energy. Think about what you could do with those reclaimed hours. You could focus on big-picture strategy, develop new offers, spend quality time with your family, or even – & this is crucial for avoiding burnout – dedicate time to your own well-being. It’s about creating efficient systems that support your business and your life, allowing you to work smarter, not harder. This directly combats that feeling of overwhelm & helps integrate your work with the rest of your beautiful, busy life. This focus on smart systems is a core part of how we at Femmeprenista help you Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose & build a flourishing, sustainable business. Practical Power, Demystified: Tangible Wins for Your Business Stage The beauty of these tools is that their power can be harnessed no matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s break down those stages, so it’s crystal clear where you fit in: Foundation Builders: These are early-stage entrepreneurs, just validating their idea, launching, or securing their first clients. They often make less than £1k/month & are focused on core business setup. Scaling Leaders: These are established businesses with proven traction, actively scaling & typically earning £1k-£10k+/month. For Foundation Builders , perhaps those of you just starting out & defining your core message (something we dive deep into in our Spark Program Page ), understanding the potential of AI email personalisation is key for future planning. Even if you're not implementing complex systems today, knowing how you'll personally connect with your audience as you grow is vital. You can start by thinking about the data you could collect & how you might use it to make your first subscribers feel truly valued. For Scaling Leaders , those of you managing growing audiences & looking to systemise communication, AI email personalisation isn't just a nice-to-have; it's often a vital component for maintaining that personal touch efficiently as your client base expands. One of our Momentum Coaching clients, Sarah, used AI to segment her list & personalize welcome sequences, resulting in a 20% increase in lead conversions. As we guide entrepreneurs in our Momentum Coaching Page to implement smart systems, tools like these are invaluable for managing a larger volume of communication without losing that crucial sense of individual connection. It helps you maintain intimacy at scale. To take it further, you could explore tools like Klaviyo for more sophisticated personalization! Here are three actionable steps you can take today to explore AI email personalisation: Identify your ideal client's biggest pain point: What is the ONE thing that keeps them up at night? Use this as the basis for your personalized messaging, this is how we focus on that all important Flair . Explore free AI email marketing tools: Many platforms offer free trials or basic AI features to get you started. Experiment & find what works for you. Segment your list based on ONE key factor: Start simple. Segment your list based on purchase history, industry, or engagement level, then schedule your social media, to really get in Focus . Taking Strategic Ownership of Your Growth with AI Embracing tools like AI email personalisation is, at its heart, an act of personal responsibility & smart adaptation. In a competitive online world, standing out & building genuine connections requires us to be innovative & efficient. It’s about taking control & using technology to serve your vision, not being intimidated by it. When you leverage AI for smarter email marketing, you’re not just ticking a box. You’re strategically enhancing your ability to communicate your unique flair & message with greater precision & authenticity. You’re also streamlining your operational flow, creating systems that support sustainable growth. This is a key aspect of our Business Flourish Framework at Femmeprenista, where we look at how all parts of your business – your mindset ( Focus ), your marketing ( Flair ), your systems ( Flow ), your well-being ( Fuel ) & yes, your strategic integration of AI ( Fusion ) – work together. How We Work . Using AI in this way allows technology to become an intelligent partner, helping you enhance your marketing effectiveness & operational efficiency. It’s about moving away from the idea that we have to do everything manually, or that "hard work" alone is the answer. As I often say, it’s about "hard work & smart work." My own journey, juggling four children, a PhD, & building Femmeprenista, has taught me that while my path might be slower or look different to someone with fewer commitments, taking ownership of the tools & strategies that can make me more effective is non-negotiable. Remember, "The only impossible journey is the one you never begin," as Tony Robbins says. Ready to Make AI Your Email Ally? I hope this has demystified AI email personalisation a little & shown you that it’s not some cold, robotic overlord, but rather a powerful, intelligent assistant ready to help you connect more deeply & work more efficiently. The fear that AI will make your communications impersonal is understandable, but the reality, when used thoughtfully, is the opposite. It’s about leveraging data to make your audience feel more seen, more understood, & more valued. It’s about sending emails that feel less like an interruption & more like a welcome, relevant conversation. It's about transforming your email marketing from a chore into a powerful engine for connection & growth, all while giving you back some of your most precious resource: your time. What’s one way you could imagine AI helping you connect more authentically with your audience, or save you time in your email marketing? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Stuck in an Income Rut? It’s Not Failure, It’s Your Business Asking for an Upgrade! Alright, lovely. Let’s have a real chat. Are you staring at that stubbornly flat income graph again? Feeling like you’re pedalling furiously, pouring your heart & soul into your service-based business, but your bank balance seems to be stuck in some sort of infuriating treacle? You know that feeling, right? If you’re nodding along, perhaps with a sigh that could power a small generator, then you, my dear Scaling Leader, are likely experiencing the dreaded income plateau. I see you. I really do. You’re ambitious, you’re brilliant at what you do, & you’ve already achieved a certain level of success. But now, this… this stall. It can feel like a personal failing, can’t it? Like maybe you’re not cut out for this next level, or you’ve hit your limit. Honestly, I get it. I’ve been there, in different ventures & at different stages, feeling that knot of frustration in my stomach when effort doesn’t translate into growth. I remember in one of my earlier businesses, long before Femmeprenista, we hit a point where new clients just seemed to dry up, despite us working harder than ever. It was a real "what on earth are we doing wrong?" moment. I even launched a Facebook ad campaign with a picture of me beaming like an idiot, thinking this was going to be the one – total flop! But here’s what I’ve learned, through my own entrepreneurial rollercoaster (& yes, it’s always a rollercoaster, never a perfectly straight track!), through my MBA, & through guiding countless incredible women like you: an income plateau is NOT a full stop. It’s not a sign of your inadequacy. More often than not, it’s a critical, flashing neon sign from your business telling you that what got you here won’t get you there . It’s an invitation to evolve, to get strategic, & to take radical ownership of your next chapter. The Plateau: Not a Punishment, But a Pivotal Point First things first, let’s reframe this. An income plateau is a normal, almost inevitable, part of the entrepreneurial journey. Think of it like a video game – you’ve mastered one level, & now you’re facing a new boss battle that requires new skills, new tools, & a new strategy. Trying to win with your old tactics? That’s a recipe for frustration & a lot of wasted energy. The truth is, your business is growing up, & its needs are changing. The strategies that were brilliant for getting you to your first consistent £5k or £10k months might now be the very things holding you back from £20k, £30k, or beyond. This isn't about blaming yourself; it's about embracing this as an opportunity for some serious strategic glow-up, fuelled by your own personal responsibility & smart, decisive action. As I always say, you might twist your ankle on this path, but the difference is, you get back up, assess the terrain, & choose a smarter way forward. You might even twist your ankle, dust yourself off, & think, “Okay, what do I need to do differently now?”. That’s resilience, Scaling Leader style! (And by the way, a Scaling Leader is simply a female entrepreneur with a proven business, actively looking for sustainable growth.) Beyond the Sales Tactics: A Holistic Look at Your Business Engine So, how do you figure out what needs to change? It’s rarely just about “selling more” or “finding more clients” using the same old methods. If it were that simple, you’d have cracked it already, because you’re no stranger to hard work. Breaking through a plateau requires a much deeper, more holistic dive into the very engine of your business. This is precisely why I developed the Business Flourish Framework for Femmeprenista. It’s our way of looking at your business from all the critical angles to diagnose what’s really going on beneath the surface. It helps us pinpoint where the energy is stuck, where the systems are creaking, & where your incredible potential is being unknowingly capped. When diagnosing an income plateau, I look at five interconnected areas: Your mindset, clarity, & leadership. Your marketing, messaging, & irresistible offers. Your operational systems, momentum, & efficiency. Your personal well-being & energy. Your strategic integration of AI & technology. Let's unpack how these areas might be signalling it’s time for an evolution when you're on that plateau: Is Your Message Still Magnetic? (Examining Your Marketing & Offers) Remember when your offers felt fresh & exciting, & clients flocked to you? Sometimes, as your business matures or the market shifts, what once worked brilliantly can lose its sparkle. Are your service offers still truly potent & irresistible to your ideal next-level client? Or are they a bit tired, a bit generic, or perhaps priced in a way that no longer reflects your expertise & the incredible value you deliver? Maybe it’s time to refine, repackage, or even premiumize what you do. Is your marketing & messaging still clear, compelling, & calling in the right kind of clients? Or is it a bit diluted, attracting tyre-kickers instead of those dream high-value clients who energise you? If your message isn't hitting the mark, even the best offer will struggle. You need to ensure your branding truly sings your unique song. Are Your Operations Built for Growth, or Holding You Back? (Assessing Your Systems) This is a big one for Scaling Leaders. Often, the systems (or lack thereof!) that managed a smaller client load simply can’t cope with expansion. Are your client onboarding, service delivery, & follow-up processes streamlined & scalable? Or are they clunky, manual, & heavily reliant on you personally for every single step? I remember trying to manage everything myself with my first daughter as a baby, whilst at uni – the "system" was basically me, & it was exhausting! That taught me early on the power of creating efficient workflows. Are you the bottleneck in your own business? If every decision, every email, every little task has to go through you, growth will inevitably stall. It’s a classic sign that it’s time to look at delegation, automation, & building smarter operational habits. Are You Leveraging Smart Tech, or Drowning in Manual Work? (Checking Your AI & Tech Integration) In today’s world, not leveraging technology, especially AI, is like choosing to row a boat when you could have a speedboat. A recent study showed that only 37% of small businesses are using AI. This means you have a huge opportunity to get ahead. For example, AI can streamline your email marketing by personalizing messages to each subscriber, boosting engagement & conversions. Are you strategically using AI tools to enhance your marketing, streamline client communication, manage your admin, or even generate new ideas? There are so many clever ways AI can free up your precious time & energy for CEO-level tasks. Are your tech systems talking to each other, or are you constantly copying & pasting between five different apps? Seamless integration is key to efficiency & a much smoother experience for both you & your clients. This is about making technology your ally, not another source of overwhelm. Is Your Mindset Fuelling Expansion, or Fear? (Uncovering Hidden Blocks) This is often the invisible barrier, the one we don’t always want to look at. But honestly, lovely, our mindset is everything . Are there any sneaky limiting beliefs whispering that you’re ‘not good enough’ for the next level of success? Or perhaps that earning significantly more money means less time for family, or that it’s somehow ‘greedy’? These undercurrents can subtly sabotage your best efforts. Has fear of failure, or even fear of success, crept in? As the stakes get higher, so can the anxieties. Addressing these head-on, & cultivating unshakeable confidence, is paramount. Understanding that you're not alone in these feelings & that holistic support is available is foundational. Femmeprenista is built on offering that Femme:Connect Community Page for every stage of your journey. One common limiting belief I see with Scaling Leaders is the idea that "I have to do everything myself to ensure it's done right." I fell into this trap myself a few years ago when trying to scale my team at Cocoista. I was so worried about letting go of control that I micromanaged every task, second-guessed every decision, & ended up completely burning myself out. The exercise that helped me shift this was simple: I listed every task I was doing, then honestly assessed which ones only I could do versus which could be delegated. Then, I committed to delegating one task per week, no matter how scary it felt. It was like magic! It freed up my time, empowered my team, & actually improved the quality of the work. Is Your Well-being Powering Your Ambition, or Are You Running on Empty? (Prioritising Your Energy) As ambitious women, & especially as mothers, we often put ourselves last. But trying to scale a business on an empty tank is a recipe for burnout, not breakthrough. Are your energy levels consistently high, or are you perpetually exhausted, relying on caffeine & sheer willpower to get through the day? Your business needs your best energy, your creativity, your strategic thinking – & that requires you to be well-nourished, well-rested, & well-cared for. Are your work habits sustainable? Are you building a business that supports your life, or is your business dictating your life in a way that feels draining? Sometimes, the plateau is a sign that your current way of working simply isn't sustainable for the next level of growth. Smart Strategies to Shatter That Ceiling Once you’ve taken an honest look through these lenses, you’ll start to see where the real opportunities for evolution lie. It’s not about throwing spaghetti at the wall; it’s about implementing smart, leveraged strategies. This might involve: Here’s a 3-Step Actionable Checklist to Get Started: Elevate Your Offers & Attract Premium Clients: Deeply understand the transformation you provide & package it in a way that high-value clients can’t resist. Position your expertise so authentically that price becomes secondary to the results you deliver. Systemise for Scale & Sanity: Implement robust systems, automating repetitive tasks (hello, AI!), & strategically delegating what no longer needs your personal touch. Free yourself up to focus on vision, strategy, & the high-impact activities only you can do. Master Your Inner Game: Proactively identify & dismantle those limiting beliefs around success, money, & your own capabilities. Cultivate that unshakeable self-belief that you are ready for more. Implementing robust systems sounds great in theory, but I remember one time I tried to automate my client onboarding process with a fancy new CRM, & it ended up creating more work! Clients were confused, emails went to the wrong place, & I spent a week untangling the mess. It was a total nightmare! The key is to start small, test thoroughly, & don't be afraid to ask for help from a tech-savvy friend (or a Femmeprenista coach!). You’ve Got This, Scaling Leader – It’s Time to Evolve! Hitting an income plateau can feel disheartening, I know. But I truly want you to see it as a powerful signal from your business & from yourself – that you’re ready for more. You’re ready to evolve. You’re ready to step into that next, even more impactful, version of you as a CEO. It takes courage to pause, to assess honestly, & to implement new strategies. But you’re not alone in this. Taking ownership, looking at your business holistically, & focusing on smart, sustainable actions will get you unstuck & soaring to new heights. If you’re a Scaling Leader feeling stuck on that plateau & ready for personalised guidance to diagnose the root causes, implement these kinds of tailored strategies, & truly shatter your income ceiling without burning out, then our Momentum Coaching Page is designed to provide precisely that high-touch, transformative support. It’s where we roll up our sleeves together & get your business (& your income) flowing & flourishing again. Remember, this isn’t a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign you’re ready for your next evolution. Embrace it! 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Taming the Chaos: How Sticky Notes Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Business!) Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, all while trying to remember the school bake sale ingredients & that crucial client deadline? Yep, that’s the beautiful chaos of motherhood & entrepreneurship – a life I know intimately. We're building empires, raising humans, & somehow, trying to find time to, you know, actually brush our hair in the mornings (some days, one eyeliner has to suffice – you know the drill!). But what if I told you a simple, almost ridiculously low-tech tool could bring a little order to this magnificent mayhem? I'm talking about the humble sticky note. Seriously. Before you roll your eyes & think, "Carlene, I'm running a business, not a primary school art class," hear me out. Because strategic communication, even in its simplest forms, is a superpower. It's the secret sauce that can empower you to reclaim your time, energy, & yes, your sanity. I often reflect on how, in my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship, these small, seemingly insignificant tools can become powerful allies in the quest for work-life integration . From Chaos to Calm: The Unexpected Power of the Sticky Note I get it. The world of project management software can feel overwhelming. Complex dashboards, Gantt charts, Kanban boards – it's enough to make your head spin (especially after a night punctuated by toddler wake-up calls!). You might think: "I barely have time to check my emails, let alone learn a whole new software system." Honestly, between juggling four kids, two energetic Miniature Pinschers (Cappuccino, the older one, is a total sweetheart, but Espresso, the puppy… let's just say she’s a force of nature!), my PhD research, and running Femmeprenista, I’ve definitely felt that overwhelm myself. This is for you if you're a Foundation Builder struggling to manage your workload... & life. But here’s the thing: you don't need complicated software to start bringing order to your world. Sometimes, the smallest, simplest tools can have the biggest impact. The beauty of the sticky note lies in its simplicity & versatility. It’s a visual reminder, a quick communication tool, & a surprisingly effective way to bring a little structure to your day, both in business & at home. Studies suggest that visual aids can boost memory & task completion. It might seem small, but those little wins add up, right? Sticky Note Strategies for the Entrepreneurial Juggler So, how can you actually use these colourful little squares to tame the chaos? Here are a few ideas to get you started: The "Brain Dump" Declutter: Feeling overwhelmed? I'll be honest, when I first tried this, I ended up with sticky notes everywhere and felt even more overwhelmed! It wasn't until I started categorizing and prioritizing ruthlessly that it finally clicked. Grab a stack of sticky notes. Write down every single task, big or small, swirling around in your head. Get it all out. Then, categorize them – business, personal, urgent, later. This visual "brain dump" creates space in your mind & allows you to prioritize what truly matters. I recently did this myself when trying to plan a new program launch while simultaneously dealing with the absolute bedlam of trying to get four kids (ranging from toddler to teenager – talk about a spectrum!) ready for a family wedding. Between forgotten shoes, last-minute outfit changes ("Mum, this makes me look like a baby !" – the drama!), & the puppy deciding to redecorate the living room with a strategically placed "accident," it was pure mayhem. Seeing everything laid out, even on little sticky notes, helped me breathe & tackle things one step at a time. It was a total game-changer. The Family Communication Hub: Create a designated "communication hub" – a wall, a whiteboard, or even the fridge. Family members can leave notes. Reminders about school events, grocery lists, or even just a quick "I love you, Mum" can make a huge difference in reducing the mental load & fostering connection. My teenage daughter isn't the most communicative (classic teen!), but a simple sticky note system has actually improved our communication. Who knew? It's a bit like leaving little love bombs around the house! The Daily Task Triage: Write down your top 3 business tasks for the day on sticky notes. Place them where you'll see them. This keeps you focused & prevents you from getting bogged down in less important tasks. Once a task is complete, the satisfying rip of that sticky note is a little victory in itself! It's the simple things, right? The Client Project Visualizer: Use sticky notes to map out client projects. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This helps you visualize the process, track progress, & ensure nothing falls through the cracks. It's a simple, low-tech alternative to complex project management software, and it works wonders. I often use different colours for different stages – green for "done," orange for "in progress," pink for "urgent" – you get the idea. It’s surprisingly satisfying & keeps everything clear, even amidst the inevitable daily distractions of family life. Sometimes, I'm literally peeling off sticky notes with "Make Reels" written on them while my toddler daughter is using my leg as a climbing frame! Anyone else? From Sticky Notes to Streamlined Systems These small, sticky note strategies are more than just organizational hacks; they're the first steps towards building efficient systems that can truly transform your business & your life. They’re the gateway to reclaiming your time, your energy, & your sanity. Creating momentum in your business is essential, & these simple systems are the foundation for building that momentum. For example, that "Brain Dump" exercise? It's not just about clearing your head; it's about creating a visual representation of your workload that allows you to prioritize strategically. Think of it as a mini-audit of your mental to-do list. From there, you can start to see patterns – are you spending too much time on low-impact tasks? Are you neglecting crucial client work because you're bogged down in admin? These insights are gold, especially for busy female entrepreneurs. You begin to identify areas ripe for automation, delegation, or even elimination. Once you start seeing the power of simple systems, you might be ready to explore more advanced tools & strategies. For those wanting to scale their business sustainably, our Momentum Coaching program provides tailored support to help you build robust, AI-enhanced systems, attract premium clients, and achieve consistent growth without burnout. You can find out more about how Momentum can help you streamline your operations and achieve financial freedom here: Momentum Coaching Page Reclaim Your Sanity, One Sticky Note at a Time So, ditch the overwhelm, embrace the sticky note, & start small. You don’t need complex solutions to create big changes. One sticky note, one task, one step at a time – that's how you start reclaiming your sanity & building the business (& the life!) you truly desire. 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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!